Is your SIC code up to date?

When you set up a limited company, you have to choose at least one standard industrial classification (SIC) code to describe what your business does. That code should continue to reflect your main trading activities over time, not just at incorporation. Under its new powers Companies House can challenge, reject or remove information it finds to be inaccurate. Incorrect information may also affect how lenders, investors and other stakeholders view your business, as well as your eligibility for certain types of funding.

What is an SIC code?

A SIC code is a 5‑digit code that describes your company’s economic activity and is shown on the public Companies House register. There are more than 600 codes, grouped into 21 broad industry categories, and you can select up to 4 if you carry out a range of different activities. Even if your company is dormant (code 99999) or non‑trading (code 74990), you still need to supply a SIC code. 

Because the register is used by credit reference agencies, lenders, researchers and others, an inaccurate SIC code can create a misleading picture of your business. For example, a company that has started trading but is still showing a dormant or non‑trading code may raise questions for anyone performing basic due diligence.

Why does accuracy matter now?

Historically, many companies selected a SIC code at incorporation and left it unchanged for years. Companies House now expects directors to make sure that the SIC code continues to reflect what the company actually does, as part of their wider duty to keep the register accurate. This means reviewing your SIC code when your activities change and correcting any use of dormant or non‑trading codes once you begin trading. 

An accurate SIC code can support smoother relationships with lenders and investors, who often use Companies House data as part of their decision‑making. It can also be relevant if you’re applying for grants or other support schemes that focus on particular sectors. 

How to check and update your SIC code

You can see the SIC code currently recorded for your company by searching for your business on the Find and update company information service. If you’re unsure which code best matches your activities, it can help to look up similar companies and review the codes they use. You must choose a code from the condensed Companies House SIC list. 

If your code needs to be updated, you do this by filing a confirmation statement. You only pay the confirmation statement fee once in any 12‑month payment period, so you won’t be charged extra for updating your SIC code within that period. 

Keeping this information accurate forms part of the responsibilities of a company director in maintaining up‑to‑date information on the public register.

Quick self‑check for directors

Companies House suggests asking a few simple questions when reviewing your SIC code.

• Are you now trading, and does your code show this rather than a dormant (99999) or non‑trading (74990) status?
• Has your main business activity changed since incorporation, or have you moved into a new sector?
• Does your current code accurately describe what your company does today, given the range of codes available and the option to select more than one?
• Do you need to add additional SIC codes to that already shown?

If you’re a client of ours, we’ll ask you to confirm the accuracy of your SIC code before we submit your Confirmation Statement each year. If you need to adjust your listing, please let us know what you’d like to amend, and we’ll take care of it on your behalf.