Industry Codes (NAICS)

Updated: January 19, 2024

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 71 Arts, Entertainment and Recreation
NAICS 7139 Other Amusement and Recreation Industries
NAICS 71399 All Other Amusement and Recreation Industries
NAICS 713990 All Other Amusement and Recreation Industries Includes Outdoors adventure operations (e.g. white water rafting) without accommodations
NAICS 72 Accommodation and Food Services
NAICS 7211 Traveller Accommodation
NAICS 7212 RV (Recreational Vehicle) Parks and Recreational Camps
NAICS 721214 Recreational and Vacation Camps (except Campgrounds)
NAICS 5615 Travel Arrangement and Reservation Services
NAICS 561510 Online Travel Agencies
NAICS 561520 Tour Operators
SIC 79 Amusement and Recreation Services
SIC 7999 Amusement and Recreation Services, Not Elsewhere Classified

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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.