By
August 25, 2026
Can a UK Company Have More Than One SIC Code?
Yes. A UK limited company can have more than one SIC code. Companies House allows a company to register up to four SIC codes when it carries out several different business activities.
The selected codes should accurately describe what the company currently does.
A company must provide at least one SIC code and can normally use a maximum of four.
One code may be enough if the company has a single main activity. Multiple codes may be appropriate if it operates across different industries or provides several significant products and services.
You may need more than one SIC code when the company:
Each code should represent a genuine and significant part of the business.
The first or primary SIC code should normally describe the company’s principal business activity.
This is usually the activity that:
The remaining codes can describe other important activities.
No. You do not need a separate SIC code for every product, service or sales channel.
For example, an online retailer selling several related products may only need one suitable retail code. However, a company that manufactures products, sells them directly and provides unrelated consultancy services may need multiple codes.
Choose codes for the company’s broad activities rather than every individual transaction.
It is usually better to select codes that reflect the company’s current activities.
Adding unrelated codes for activities the company might carry out in the future could make its public record inaccurate or misleading.
New codes can be added later when the company begins conducting those activities.
You can add or change SIC codes when filing the company’s confirmation statement with Companies House.
If the information needs to be updated immediately, you can file an early confirmation statement rather than waiting for the normal filing deadline.
Use only codes included in the Companies House condensed SIC-code list.
Yes. A SIC code can be removed through a confirmation statement if the company no longer carries out that activity.
Review the codes regularly and remove any that have become outdated or irrelevant.
SIC codes classify the nature of the company’s activities. They do not automatically determine:
However, tax authorities, financial providers and other organisations may review SIC codes when assessing the company.
Potentially. Financial providers may use SIC codes to understand the company’s activities and assess risk.
Multiple codes are not automatically a problem, but unrelated or inaccurate codes could lead to additional questions. The company should be able to explain each activity and provide supporting information where required.
A genuinely dormant company will normally use:
99999 – Dormant company
When it begins trading, it should replace this with the appropriate trading code or codes through a confirmation statement.
A company should not continue displaying a dormant SIC code once it is actively trading.
Before selecting more than one code:
A UK company can register up to four SIC codes if it carries out multiple business activities. The main code should describe its principal activity, while additional codes can cover other significant areas of operation.
Keeping SIC codes accurate can reduce confusion during Companies House filings, business-account applications and compliance checks.
