Industry Codes

Updated: June 10, 2016

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.

Try These

Type Code Description
NAICS  54 Professional, Scientific and Technical Services
NAICS 5414 Specialized Design Services
NAICS 54149 Other Specialized Design Services
NAICS 31-33 Manufacturing
NAICS 339 Miscellaneous Manufacturing
NAICS 3399 Other Miscellaneous Manufacturing
NAICS 33991 Jewellery and Silverware Manufacturing
NAICS 44-45 Retail Trade
NAICS 4483 Jewellery, Luggage and Leather Goods Stores
NAICS 44831 Jewellery Stores
SIC 39 Miscellaneous Manufacturing Industries
SIC 3911 Jewelry, Precious Metal
SIC 3961 Costume Jewelry and Costume Novelties, Except Precious Metal
SIC 59 Miscellaneous Retail
SIC 5944 Jewelry Stores

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.