What is an SIC code?
An SIC code (Standard Industrial Classification) is a five-digit number that records what a UK company does. Companies House uses SIC 2007 — a condensed list of around 730 codes — to classify every company’s main activity. A company must give at least one SIC code (and may give up to four) when it incorporates and again on each annual confirmation statement.
How SIC codes are structured
UK SIC 2007 is hierarchical. The first two digits are the “division” (broad activity, e.g. 62 = computer programming and consultancy), and the full five digits pin down the specific activity (e.g. 62012 = business and domestic software development). Divisions roll up into 21 lettered sections, A to U, covering everything from agriculture (A) to extraterritorial organisations (U).
The same SIC 2007 condensed list is used by Companies House and the Office for National Statistics, so a company’s recorded codes line up with national industry statistics.
How to find a company’s SIC code
Every company’s SIC code(s) are on the public register. On Company Shark, open any company’s page and the SIC codes are listed with their plain-English descriptions. You can also search the whole register by SIC code to build a list of every business in a given activity.
Because SIC codes are self-reported, they reflect what the company told Companies House — not an audited classification. A business may pick the closest available code, and some use 82990 (“other business support service activities”) or 70229 (“management consultancy”) as a catch-all.
Frequently asked
How many SIC codes can a company have?
A UK company can record up to four SIC codes, and must have at least one. They are listed in priority order, with the first being the main activity.
Can I search for companies by SIC code?
Yes. Company Shark lets you filter the live Companies House register by one or more SIC codes, then narrow by location and incorporation date and export the results. SIC filtering is available on the Business and MAX plans.
Are SIC codes the same as VAT or tax codes?
No. An SIC code only describes a company’s activity for the register and statistics. It is unrelated to VAT registration numbers or HMRC tax references.
Why do some companies have a SIC code of 99999?
Code 99999 means “dormant company”, and 74990/82990 are common generic codes. 99999 is used by companies that are not currently trading.
Related guides
- How to find UK companies by industry
- What is a dormant company?
- Company status explained (Active, Dissolved & more)
Put this into practice
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