Business Activity
SSIC Code Search
In Singapore, Standard Industrial Classification (SSIC) codes indicate what your company does and in what field. The Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) demands that businesses submit the SSIC code when incorporating. Use our free SSIC Search (2015, updated 2023 version) to find the code corresponding to your business activity.
Top list of SSIC codes
Download all codes- SSIC Code
46900Wholesale trade of a variety of goods without a dominant product
- SSIC Code
68201Real estate agencies and valuation services
- SSIC Code
62011Development of software and applications (except games and cybersecurity)
- SSIC Code
64202Other holding companies
- SSIC Code
70201Management consultancy services
- SSIC Code
70209Management consultancy services n.e.c.
- SSIC Code
73100Advertising activities
- SSIC Code
85491Corporate training services and motivational course providers
- SSIC Code
62090Other information technology and computer service activities
- SSIC Code
63120Web portals
Results:
Download all codesSee the difference
A comparison of the number of codes at various levels between SSIC 2020 and SSIC 2015 (Version 2018) is shown in the following table:
| SSIC 2020 | SSIC 2015 (Version 2018) | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section | Division (2-Digit) | Group (3-Digit) | Class (4-Digit) | Sub-class (5-Digit) | Division (2-Digit) | Group (3-Digit) | Class (4-Digit) | Sub-class (5-Digit) |
| A | 3 | 7 | 13 | 32 | 3 | 8 | 14 | 35 |
| B | 2 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 5 |
| C | 23 | 70 | 133 | 355 | 23 | 70 | 135 | 373 |
| D | 1 | 3 | 3 | 8 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 8 |
| E | 3 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 6 |
| F | 3 | 8 | 11 | 41 | 3 | 8 | 11 | 40 |
| G | 2 | 15 | 49 | 168 | 2 | 16 | 52 | 174 |
| H | 5 | 9 | 17 | 53 | 5 | 9 | 17 | 57 |
| I | 2 | 4 | 7 | 12 | 2 | 4 | 7 | 14 |
| J | 6 | 11 | 21 | 46 | 6 | 10 | 20 | 42 |
| K | 3 | 10 | 22 | 58 | 3 | 10 | 23 | 58 |
| L | 1 | 2 | 2 | 10 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 11 |
| M | 7 | 14 | 16 | 53 | 7 | 14 | 16 | 56 |
| N | 6 | 16 | 26 | 47 | 6 | 15 | 25 | 49 |
| O | 1 | 2 | 5 | 11 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 11 |
| P | 1 | 5 | 9 | 25 | 1 | 5 | 8 | 25 |
| Q | 3 | 6 | 9 | 27 | 3 | 6 | 9 | 29 |
| R | 4 | 5 | 8 | 18 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 20 |
| S | 3 | 7 | 19 | 43 | 3 | 7 | 19 | 43 |
| T | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| U | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 |
| V | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Total | 81 | 204 | 382 | 1,023 | 82 | 204 | 386 | 1,062 |
- A — Agriculture and Fishing
- B — Mining and Quarrying
- C — Manufacturing
- D — Electricity, Gas, Steam & Air-Conditioning Supply
- E — Water Supply; Sewerage, Waste Management and Remediation Activities
- F — Construction
- G — Wholesale and Retail Trade
- H — Transportation and Storage
- I — Accommodation and Food Service Activities
- J — Information and Communications
- K — Financial and Insurance Activities
- L — Real Estate Activities
- M — Professional, Scientific and Technical Activities
- N — Administrative and Support Service Activities
- O — Public Administration and Defence
- P — Education
- Q — Health and Social Services
- R — Arts, Entertainment and Recreation
- S — Other Service Activities
- T — Activities of Households as Employers of Domestic Personnel
- U — Activities of Extra-Territorial Organisations and Bodies
- V — Activities not Adequately Defined
What’s new with SSIC update in November 2021
Singapore government updated SSIC list in November 2021, which is the fourteenth edition of the SSIC. Here’s what’s new:
- There are more than +1,000 new unique examples in the alphabetical index
- A lot of new codes introduced aim at tracking emerging economic activities like online business activities
- Some categories have been merged into one
- A few more categories were deleted or renamed
John gives out personal lessons on history online. His business used to fall under SSIC code 85509: Education Support Services N.E.C. It will now change to SSIC code 63203: Online marketplaces for education services.
Lee has an online dress shop. Her business used to fall under SSIC code 47910: Retail Sales via the Internet (with income mainly from online sales). She has to change it to SSIC code 47711: retail sales of clothing for Adults.
Do I need to register
a new SSIC code?
For the majority of news codes, ACRA assigns the new ones automatically based on the latest track record of the company activities it has. If the automatic code doesn’t reflect your primary occupation accurately, you need to choose one that does, prepare a Board Resolution to change your code accordingly, and file the change with ACRA. This job is a responsibility of your Corporate Secretary. Companies that fail to notify the registrar about their right economic unit will face a fine of up to S$5,000.
At Osome, we proactively reach out to our clients to handle the documents and avoid this penalty. If you’re serviced by another provider, make sure they follow up on the change.
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FAQ
What does SSIC mean?
The Singapore Standard Industrial Classification (SSIC) is a four-digit number that tells local authorities what a Singapore company’s primary source of revenue is.
It is used by the Singapore government to analyse economic activity. Singapore uses the SSIC for its population, household, and industry censuses.
Companies are required to register for the SSIC code, which is based on the internationally recognized standard for classification of all economic activities (ISIC).
The SSIC code is purely administrative, and the registering company is not liable for additional reporting or tax. Data are collected by Singapore government bodies under the SSIC code for taxonomy purposes, such as compiling, presenting, and analysing current economic structures.
How many SSIC codes can a company have?
There is a limit of two SSIC codes for a company. Companies with multiple activities/revenue streams may find it difficult to list on Bizfile, as ACRA allows only two business activities per company. In this case, the two activities having maximum revenue shall be listed with ACRA.
Whenever you register a new company, ACRA will review your registration documents. To ensure that information is accurate and complete, some documents are sent to other government agencies. You may have to submit additional documentation to be approved for your business registration if you register for the wrong SSIC code.
How do I change an SSIC code?
Just as your business is not static, so is the SSIC code list. Changes in the codes may mean that your company’s SSIC code is no longer valid. Meanwhile, your company may have changed its primary activity over time, and your SSIC is no longer relevant. If you are a director, it is your responsibility to keep it accurate.
A wrong SSIC code may prevent you from getting the relevant permits or licenses unless you apply for the correct one. You may not be able to access government incentives targeted at specific business sectors. It is possible that the directors provided inaccurate public data.
These codes can easily be checked online, so you don’t have to worry about getting the wrong one. To determine the correct category, seek professional advice if in doubt.
A change of the SSIC code, whether due to the change introduced by the Department of Statistics or whether it is due to an actual change of principal activities driven by operational or economic needs, must be approved by the directors via formal directors’ resolutions.
After submitting the SSIC code, it cannot be changed. In this case, you must withdraw the application and resubmit a new application with the correct SSIC code.
How to find a full SSIC codes list?
The most recent version of the full SSIC Codes list can be found on the Department of Statistics' Singapore official website.
In population, household and establishment surveys, census data and administrative databases, Singapore Standard Industrial Classification (SSIC) is used for the classification of economic activities performed by economic units. This system is based on the International Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities (ISIC). The standards are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect significant changes in the structure of the Singapore economy and the emergence of new activities as well as to align with changes in international standards.
What Things Should I Know When Choosing SSIC?
To incorporate your company, you will be asked to pick and submit an SSIC code — a number that identifies your future business entity as a restaurant or a wedding agency or a coffin maker. In other words, these codes indicate what your company does and in what field.
To pursue adequate policies, Singapore needs to know what businesses are present in the country. A system of SSIC codes simplifies communication between the companies and the authorities. With the help of SSIC codes, the state collects the aggregated data, analyzes it and identifies trends. SSIC codes also help to determine whether a company needs a license or not.
What are the SSIC code limits for Singapore companies?
A company may have a maximum of two SSIC codes. As ACRA only allows two business activities per company, companies with multiple activities/revenue streams may have difficulty listing on Bizfile. In this case, choose the two activities with the most revenue. ACRA will review your registration documents when you register a new company. Some documents are sent to other government agencies to ensure that the information is accurate and complete. If you register for the wrong SSIC code, you may need to submit additional documentation before your business registration is approved. Do check to ensure that there will be no delays on your incorporation.
How do I find my SSIC code?
If you are a new company, then registering with the correct SSIC code is essential. To find out the correct SSIC code for the new company, you need to head over to the official Government site Bizfile here:
- Type words that describe your business activities in the search bar. Use the most common keywords for your industry. You can also try variations till the system pulls up a category that seems closest to your work.
- The site will show SSIC categories. You can select the one that is closest to your business activities. If you can't find anything relevant, then we recommend checking this detailed list.
How to check company SSIC code
You can find any company’s SSCI code on the BizFile+ portal. Just search the company’s name (entity search), and you will find the SSIC Code under the company’s “Industry” section.
What Is ACRA Singapore?
In Singapore, the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) regulates the registration of business entities. ACRA is also referred to as the Registrar of Companies. Singapore Companies Registry (ROC) and ACRA are both used interchangeably for the same functions entity. In 2004, the Registry of Companies and Businesses merged with the Public Accountants’ Board to form ACRA
Why do I need to report about my business activity type?
The Singapore government needs to know what businesses are present in the country to pursue the right policies for the benefit of the country. With the help of these SSIC codes, the state collects the information and analyzes the overall data to be aware of the trends.
Recently ACRA has also requested companies to confirm their SSIC code and business activity during annual return filing with ACRA. The business activity has to be reflected correctly in ACRA records. ACRA’s records will hold whether there have been any changes in the SSIC code recently. This seems to be a part of the Singapore government’s initiative to properly and correctly classify the information pertaining to various industries for proper policy and decision making.
So, it is absolutely necessary that the company’s business activity is correctly reflected in ACRA records at all times. This description of SSIC code can be changed anytime with ACRA using Bizfile without payment of any fees.
Can the incorporation be delayed because of the code I chose?
ACRA reviews all registration documents when you register a new company. To make sure that the information is accurate and complete, some documents are sent to other government agencies. This may take up to 2 months and affect your incorporation date.
Singapore Standard Industrial Classification (SSIC) is a four-digit number that shows local authorities what the main source of revenue is for Singaporean companies. Singapore uses it to analyze economic activity. Censuses of Singapore’s population, households, and industries are also based on the SSIC. In order to register for the SSIC code, companies must use the internationally recognized standard for classifying economic activities (ISIC).
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