Industry Codes (NAICS)

Updated: March 23, 2023

Industry Codes: The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)

At the start of your research, it may not be clear what specific industry you should be examining. A good strategy is to find out if your business idea is classified in an industrial classification system. These systems organize industries by assigning them a numeric code. The most commonly used system is the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). Once you know your Industry Classification Code you can use this number to:

  • Find industry-specific statistics on government websites or in library databases
  • Generate lists of competitors in company directories

Another common classification system is the Standard Industry Code (SIC). NAICS have mostly replaced the SIC, but the SIC is still used by some commercial databases. Finding and using these classification systems to effectively search can be tricky, so don't hesitate to ask a librarian for help.

Start With These Suggestions

Type

Code

Description 

NAICS

51 Information and Cultural Industries

NAICS

5121 Motion Picture and Video Industries

NAICS

512110 Motion Picture and Video Production

NAICS

512120 Motion Picture and Video Distribution

NAICS

512130 Motion Picture and Video Exhibition

NAICS

512190 Post-Production and Other Motion Picture and Video Industries

NAICS

512199 Other Motion Picture and Video Industries

SIC

7812 Motion Picture and Video Production

SIC

7822 Motion Picture and Tape Distribution
SIC 7829 Motion Picture Distribution Services
SIC 7819 Services Allied to Motion Pictures

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Search or browse all NAICS or SIC codes on the NAICS Association website. Some NAICS codes are different in Canada — you can search by keyword or browse Canadian NAICS codes at Statistics Canada or Canadian Industry Statistics. To search for a SIC code using a NAICS code and vice versa, use the NAICS & SIC Crosswalks.   

For more information about planning your industry research, including identifying your industry codes, check out the video tutorial for Module 3: Planning Your Industry Research.