SIC & NAICS Codes

The NAICS and SIC codes are classification schemes you will frequently use while conducting business research.  In fact, it is important early in the research process to identify your chosen industry's correct code(s).  Information about companies and industries are often organized by SIC or NAICS codes.

The SIC/NAICS codes are simply numbering systems that group together similar products or services produced by businesses.  It is an efficient way of describing the primary business in which a company operates.  Establishments often operate in more than one SIC/NAICS category, especially when they provide a variety of goods and services.  It is these code numbers that will assist you in finding the major manufacturers in this field, where they are located, and what the trends are in the industry. 

Standard Industrial Classification (SIC)

What is a SIC Code?

The SIC system was established by the U.S. Government in the late 1930's to provide a uniform method for collecting, presenting, and analyzing industrial information. SIC codes are used by government agencies, trade associations, private research organizations and business professionals when presenting industry statistical data.  It was replaced by the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) in 1997.

How do I find an SIC Code?

Start with the Standard Industrial Classification Manual 1987, either in print or online. Refer to the alphabetic index (part III) if using the print version.

Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Manual

Standard Industrical Classification (SIC) System Search

Standard Industrial Classification Manual - Ref Desk Coll. HF1042 .U5 1987

The four-digit code for the greeting card industry is interpreted as follows:

  27 Major Group Number (Printing, Publishing and Allied Industries)

 277 Industry Group Number

2771 Greeting Cards (production of greeting card for all occasions--excluding hand-painted cards)

North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)

What is a NAICS Code?

On April 9, 1997, the North American Industry Classification System became the new standard code system to describe business establishments and industries, replacing the SIC codes. NAICS was developed in response to charges that the SIC code did not reflect the modern economy, and the passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement further underscored the need. This new system is being used by the United States, Mexican, and Canadian Governments to collect and distribute industry statistical information.

You should note, however, that both the SIC and NAICS systems are being used while the NAICS codes are gradually integrated into use. Not all commercial publishers have converted SIC codes to NAICS codes. As a result, you will need to locate both identifiers for cross-referencing.

How do I find a NAICS Code?

Start with the index of North American Industry Classification System manual, either in print or online. Because NAICS has a hierarchical level of six digits, it can be fairly specific about individual industries. 

North American Industry Classification System  

North American Industry Classification System - Ref Desk Coll. HF1042 .N6 2002

The six-digit code for the Soap and Other Detergent Manufacturing industry is interpreted as follows:

    32 Sector (Manufacturing)

  325 Subsector (Chemical Manufacturing)

 3256 Industry Group (Soap, Cleaning Compound, and Toilet Preparation Manufacturing)

 32561 NAICS Industry (Soap and Cleaning Compound Manufacturing)

325611 Industry (Soap and Other Detergent Manufacturing)