Forming a limited company – what is a SIC code?

When you form a new limited company, you need various pieces of information to complete the submission. One of these is the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code you want to associate with your company.

What is a UK SIC code?

It is a unique 5-digit code that represents a specific economic activity your company undertakes.

Several countries use standard industrial classifications to collect, measure, analyse and present data on business activities.

In the UK, the system was established in 1948 and has been revised several times. Although the Office for National Statistics has now published UK SIC 2026, Companies House currently continues to use UK SIC 2007 codes for company filings.

The SIC 2007 codes are split into 21 main trade sections ranging from section A to section U (e.g. “Section K – Financial and insurance activities”).

These sections are further broken down into divisions, groups, classes and subclasses.

How do you find your limited company SIC code?

A limited company normally provides at least one SIC code describing its principal business activity, but it may use up to four codes if it has specialised, complex or varied trades.

You can view the Companies House SIC code list here.

To find the appropriate SIC codes to use during the formation process, you can search the Companies House SIC database.

Enter some keywords, and the page will return some suggested SIC codes. See the screenshot below:

Why are SIC codes important?

SIC codes are used by the government to identify the number of companies in different industries, to monitor the strength of the economy, and identify existing and emerging trends.

The data allows research firms to gather data that can help policymakers, scientists and businesses to understand economic conditions and make improvements where possible.

Insurance underwriters and lenders may also use information about a company’s business activities when assessing risk.

As a result, if you are setting up a company, you should choose a code which accurately reflects what the business actually does. This can be particularly important for companies dealing with property or financial activities.

Can you change or add your limited company SIC code?

You can change or add codes if you provided the wrong code during company formation or if your principal business activity changes or becomes more varied.

Simply choose the appropriate code from the Companies House list and report it on your next confirmation statement.

For immediate code changes, you can file an early confirmation statement.

Dormant and non-trading company SIC codes

Dormant companies with no significant accounting transactions and that don’t trade should use SIC code 99999.

Non-trading companies which are not dormant should use SIC code 74990.

Don’t continue using either code once the company starts trading. Your SIC code should be updated so that it reflects the company’s actual business activity.

If you’re setting up a new company, take your time to research the appropriate SIC code. Talk to an accountant or other professional if you have any concerns or questions.