SIC CLASSIFICATION

United States

The Standard Industrial Classification is a United States government system for

classifying industries by a four-digit code. Established in 1937, it is being supplanted by
the six-digit North American Industry Classification System (NAICS code), which was
released in 1997; however certain government departments and agencies, such as the
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), still use the SIC codes.

SIC Division Structure

1. Division A: Agriculture, Forestry, And Fishing

2. Division B: Mining

3. Division C: Construction

4. Division D: Manufacturing

5. Division E: Transportation, Communications, Electric, Gas, And Sanitary Services

6. Division F: Wholesale Trade

7. Division G: Retail Trade

8. Division H: Finance, Insurance, And Real Estate

9. Division I: Services

10. Division J: Public Administration

HIMANSHU SITANI (PGDM 10-11) Page 1

 SIC CLASSIFICATION

United kingdom

Introduction

1. SIC was first introduced into the United Kingdom in 1948 for use in classifying
business establishments and other statistical units by the type of economic activity in
which they are engaged. The classification provides a framework for the collection,
tabulation, presentation and analysis of data and its use promotes uniformity. In
addition, it can be used for administrative purposes and by non-government bodies as a
convenient way of classifying industrial activities into a common structure.

Classification changes

2. Since 1948 the classification has been revised in 1958, 1968, 1980, 1992 and 1997.
Revision is necessary because, over a period of time, new products and the new
industries to produce them emerge and shifts of emphasis occur in existing industries. It
is not always possible for the system to accommodate such developments and after a
period of time updating the classification is the most sensible action. The 1997 changes
were not a full scale revision but a response to user demand for a limited number of
additional subclasses together with some minor renumbering.

International classifications

3. From the outset, the UK SIC followed the same broad principles as the relevant
international systems. Nevertheless, there were differences in detail between the two as
ISIC reflected the structure of economic activity in the world as a whole rather than that
in one particular country.

4. In 1980, one of the principal objectives of the revision of the SIC was to examine
and eliminate differences from the activity classification issued by the Statistical Office
of the European Communities (Eurostat) and entitled 'Nomenclature générale des
activités Économiques dans les Communautés européennes', usually abbreviated to
NACE.

HIMANSHU SITANI (PGDM 10-11) Page 2

 SIC CLASSIFICATION

UK SIC Structure

5. UK SIC(92) is based exactly on NACE Rev 1 but, where it was thought necessary
or helpful, a fifth digit has been added to form subclasses of the NACE Rev 1 four digit
classes. Thus, UK SIC(92) is a hierarchical five digit system. However, at the first or
highest level of aggregation, unlike the SIC(80) which had 10 divisions, UK SIC(92) is
divided into 17 sections, each denoted by a single letter from A to Q. Some sections
are, in turn, divided into subsections (each denoted by the addition of a second letter).
The letters of the sections or subsections can be uniquely defined by the next
breakdown, the divisions (denoted by two digits).

Section D Manufacturing (comprising divisions 15 to 37)

Subsection DB Manufacture of textiles and textile products (comprising divisions 17

and 18)

Division 17 Manufacture of textiles

Group 17.4 Manufacture of made-up textile articles, except apparel

Class 17.40 Manufacture of made-up textile articles, except apparel

Subclass 17.40/1 Manufacture of soft furnishings

There are 17 sections, 16 subsections, 60 divisions, 222 groups, 503 classes and 253
subclasses. The full structure of UK SIC(92) is shown on pages 5-30.

Related classifications

6. At the international level, the United Nations has the Provisional Central Product
Classification (CPC).(6) The main aim of the CPC is to provide a general framework for
international comparisons of product statistics. It applies to tradeable and non-tradeable
goods and services

7. The CPA is linked to the PRODCOM list, which extends the CPA code structure
from six to eight digits. PRODCOM is from PRODucts of the European COMmunity, and
is a list of some 4,800 products, developed by Eurostat.

HIMANSHU SITANI (PGDM 10-11) Page 3

 SIC CLASSIFICATION

UK SIC(92) division structure

A. AGRICULTURE, HUNTING AND FORESTRY

B. FISHING
C. MINING AND QUARRYING
D. MANUFACTURING
E. ELECTRICITY, GAS AND WATER SUPPLY
F. CONSTRUCTION
G. WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE; REPAIR OF MOTOR VEHICLES,
MOTORCYCLES AND PERSONAL AND HOUSEHOLD GOODS
H. HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS
I. TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION
J. FINANCIAL INTERMEDIATION
K. REAL ESTATE, RENTING AND BUSINESS ACTIVITIES
L. PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND DEFENCE; COMPULSORY SOCIAL
SECURITY
M. EDUCATION
N. HEALTH AND SOCIAL WORK
O. OTHER COMMUNITY, SOCIAL & PERSONAL SERVICE ACTIVITIES
P. PRIVATE HOUSEHOLDS WITH EMPLOYED PERSONS
Q. EXTRA - TERRITORIAL ORGANISATIONS AND BODIES.

HIMANSHU SITANI (PGDM 10-11) Page 4