When you form a UK limited company, Companies House asks you to provide at least one SIC code — a 5-digit number that classifies your business activity. Choosing the wrong SIC code will not invalidate your company, but it is worth getting right. This guide explains what SIC codes are and lists the correct codes for the most common business types registered by non-UK residents.
Key Facts
- You must provide at least one SIC code at formation
- You can have up to four SIC codes
- SIC codes do not restrict what your company can legally do
- You can change SIC codes at any time via your confirmation statement
- Code 99999 is used for dormant companies with no activity
What Is a SIC Code?
A SIC (Standard Industrial Classification) code is a 5-digit number used by Companies House and the Office for National Statistics (ONS) to classify businesses by the nature of their economic activity. The UK uses a version of the international NACE classification system.
SIC codes are used for statistical purposes — they help government understand the composition of British industry. They do not legally define what your company is permitted to do. A company with a retail SIC code can still provide professional services, and vice versa.
There are approximately 730 SIC codes covering every type of business activity. If your business genuinely spans multiple sectors, you can register up to four codes.
How Many SIC Codes Do You Need?
You must provide at least one. For most small businesses, one or two is sufficient. Register multiple codes if:
- You have genuinely distinct revenue streams (e.g., importing goods and providing consulting)
- Your business model spans retail and wholesale
- You operate in both B2C and B2B markets
Avoid registering codes for activities you do not actually conduct — it adds no benefit and may cause confusion.
SIC Codes for Common Business Types
Below are the most relevant SIC codes for the business types most commonly formed by non-UK residents through our site.
E-Commerce & Online Retail
| SIC Code | Description | Use When |
|---|---|---|
| 47910 | Retail sale via mail order houses or via Internet | Selling physical goods direct to consumers online (your own website, Shopify, etc.) |
| 47990 | Other retail sale not in stores, stalls or markets | Other direct-to-consumer sales not covered by 47910 |
| 82990 | Other business support service activities | General business operations, dropshipping management |
Amazon FBA & Third-Party Marketplace Sellers
| SIC Code | Description | Use When |
|---|---|---|
| 47910 | Retail sale via mail order houses or via Internet | Selling on Amazon, eBay, Etsy, or other online marketplaces |
| 46900 | Non-specialised wholesale trade | Also sourcing and selling wholesale to other businesses |
| 52290 | Other supporting transport activities | If your business includes logistics, freight forwarding, or FBA prep |
Most Amazon FBA sellers use 47910 as their primary SIC code. If you source from China and resell, adding 46900 as a second code better reflects your wholesale/import activity.
TikTok Shop & Social Commerce
| SIC Code | Description | Use When |
|---|---|---|
| 47910 | Retail sale via mail order houses or via Internet | Selling physical goods via TikTok Shop |
| 73110 | Advertising agencies | If your business also produces content or manages brand advertising |
| 90010 | Performing arts | For content creators with significant entertainment income |
Import, Export & Wholesale Trade
| SIC Code | Description | Use When |
|---|---|---|
| 46900 | Non-specialised wholesale trade | General import/export of mixed goods |
| 46190 | Agents involved in the sale of a variety of goods | Acting as a trading agent or intermediary |
| 46610 | Wholesale of agricultural machinery, equipment and supplies | Agricultural sector |
| 46690 | Wholesale of other machinery, equipment and supplies | General industrial/machinery wholesale |
| 46770 | Wholesale of waste and scrap | Recycling, waste materials trade |
Consulting & Professional Services
| SIC Code | Description | Use When |
|---|---|---|
| 70229 | Management consultancy activities (other) | Business consulting, strategy, operations |
| 74909 | Other professional, scientific and technical activities | Specialist professional services not elsewhere classified |
| 62020 | Information technology consultancy activities | IT consulting, systems integration |
| 69201 | Accounting and auditing activities | Accountancy practice (requires professional qualification) |
| 73200 | Market research and public opinion polling | Market research firms |
Technology & Software
| SIC Code | Description | Use When |
|---|---|---|
| 62012 | Business and domestic software development | Developing software products or custom software |
| 62020 | Information technology consultancy activities | IT services, consulting, implementation |
| 63120 | Web portals | Operating a website-based platform or marketplace |
| 62090 | Other information technology service activities | SaaS products, cloud services, tech support |
How to Change Your SIC Code
SIC codes can be updated at any time through your company's annual confirmation statement. There is no separate form or fee for changing a SIC code alone — it is simply updated as part of the confirmation statement review process.
If you need to change your SIC code urgently (e.g., you have significantly changed your business model), you can file a confirmation statement early — it resets your 12-month review period and costs £50.
Choosing Between Similar SIC Codes
If two codes seem equally applicable, choose the one that best reflects how you describe your main revenue-generating activity to customers. For mixed businesses, register both. You can always change it later.
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