What Is a SIC Code for a UK Limited Company?

A SIC code is a five-digit number that describes the main business activity of a UK limited company. SIC stands for Standard Industrial Classification.

Every company registered with Companies House must provide at least one SIC code, including dormant and non-trading companies.

What Are SIC Codes Used For?

SIC codes help Companies House and other organisations understand what a company does. They are used to:

• Classify companies by industry
• Maintain accurate public records
• Produce economic and business statistics
• Support banking and funding assessments
• Identify companies operating in regulated or higher-risk sectors

A company’s SIC codes are displayed on its public Companies House record.

When Do I Choose a SIC Code?

You select the company’s SIC code when registering it with Companies House.

The code should also be reviewed when filing the company’s confirmation statement. If the company changes its activities, its SIC codes should be updated.

How Many SIC Codes Can a Company Use?

A UK company must provide at least one SIC code and can select up to four.

Choose one code if it accurately describes the company’s main activity. Additional codes can be used when the business carries out several significant activities.

How Do I Find the Correct SIC Code?

Use the official condensed SIC-code list provided by Companies House.

To select the right code:

1. Identify the company’s main business activity.
2. Search the list using relevant keywords.
3. Compare the available descriptions.
4. Choose the closest accurate match.
5. Add other codes only for genuine additional activities.

Only use codes included in the Companies House condensed list. An invalid code could cause the filing to be rejected.

What if There Is No Exact SIC Code?

If no code describes the business perfectly, choose the closest available match.

Some categories include descriptions such as “other activities” or “not elsewhere classified”. These may be suitable for businesses that do not fit a more specific category.

Do Dormant Companies Need a SIC Code?

Yes. Dormant and non-trading companies must still provide an appropriate code.

Common examples include:

• 99999 – Dormant company
• 74990 – Non-trading company

A dormant company and a non-trading company are not always the same. Use the code that accurately reflects the company’s status.

Can I Change My Company’s SIC Code?

Yes. You can update a SIC code by filing a confirmation statement.

If you need to correct the information immediately, you can file an early confirmation statement rather than waiting for the normal filing date.

What Happens if the SIC Code Is Wrong?

An incorrect SIC code can create misleading information on the public register and may cause:

• Companies House filing delays
• Questions during business-account applications
• Problems with lenders or funding providers
• Incorrect business-risk assessments
• Confusion among customers and suppliers

Company directors are responsible for keeping the company’s SIC codes accurate and up to date.

Is a SIC Code a Business Licence?

No. A SIC code only classifies the company’s business activities.

It does not:

• Authorise regulated activity
• Replace a business licence
• Register the company for tax
• Provide regulatory approval
• Protect the company’s name
• Determine its VAT status

Separate licences or registrations may be required depending on the company’s activities.

Final Thoughts

A SIC code tells Companies House what type of business a UK limited company conducts. Every company must choose at least one code and can use up to four where it carries out multiple activities.

Selecting an accurate SIC code helps keep the company’s public record correct and may prevent problems with banking, funding and compliance checks.

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