North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)
- What is NAICS?
- Why is NAICS used instead of SIC?
- How do I find out what my NAICS code is?
- Where can I find more information about small business size standards and NAICS together?
1. What is NAICS?
NAICS is the North American Industry Classification System. It replaced the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) system on January 1, 1997. Federal government
agencies that collect statistics are now required to use NAICS instead of SIC.
2. Why is NAICS used instead of SIC?
NAICS classifies over 350 more industries than SIC does. Most of these new industries are in the services sectors, many that are very relevant to today's economy. For
example, NAICS includes industries that manufacture semiconductor machinery and fiber optic cable, reproduce software, and provide satellite telecommunications, paging, cellular, and
other wireless telecommunications. Warehouse clubs and superstores, telemarketing bureaus, hazardous waste collection, and casinos are also new in NAICS.
NAICS is more consistent than SIC. Businesses that use similar production processes are grouped together. NAICS gives special attention to new and emerging industries, service industries in general, and industries that produce advanced technology. The SIC system, which was last revised in 1987, does not include many of these industries, or at least does not describe them well, and it will never be updated or changed.
3. How do I find out what my NAICS code is?
You can find the NAICS code for your business at
http://www.census.gov/epcd/www/naics.html.
4. Where can I find more information about small business size standards and NAICS together?
You can find more information about NAICS at
http://www.census.gov/epcd/www/naics.html.
service of
Penn State
This site is a product of Penn State Outreach Marketing and Communications.
Web site questions? E-mail WebInfo@outreach.psu.edu.
Privacy and Legal Statements | Copyright © 2009 The Pennsylvania State University