What this class covers
ANZSIC class 1173 encompasses businesses primarily engaged in manufacturing biscuits and related products from factory-based premises in Australia. This classification applies to operations that produce these goods at scale for wholesale distribution rather than direct retail sale to consumers. The distinction between factory-based and non-factory based manufacturing is important in the ANZSIC system, with this class focusing on larger-scale production facilities.
Typical businesses in this class include commercial biscuit factories supplying supermarkets, ice cream cone manufacturers providing products to dairy companies, and specialized wafer producers serving the dessert industry. These operations typically involve industrial baking equipment, quality control processes, and distribution networks that move products to retailers, food service providers, or other manufacturers rather than selling directly to the public from the production site.
The classification is used across Australian government agencies and industry bodies for statistical reporting, regulatory compliance, and business benchmarking. When registering your business or applying for certain licenses, you may need to specify this ANZSIC code to accurately describe your operational activities.
Primary activities in plain English
Businesses classified under ANZSIC 1173 typically engage in one or more of the following activities:
- Producing biscuit dough in factory settings for further processing or sale
- Manufacturing various types of biscuits (sweet, savory, filled) using industrial equipment
- Producing ice cream cones, wafers, and similar edible containers
- Operating commercial-scale baking facilities with automated production lines
- Packaging biscuit products for wholesale distribution to retailers
Exclusions and nearby codes
Several related activities are specifically excluded from this classification and fall under other ANZSIC codes:
Manufacturing pet food biscuits is excluded from this class and is classified under ANZSIC 1192 (Prepared Animal and Bird Feed Manufacturing). This separation reflects the different regulatory and market considerations for human versus animal food products.
Businesses that manufacture and sell biscuits directly to consumers from the same premises are excluded and should use ANZSIC 1174 (Bakery Product Manufacturing Non-factory based). This distinction captures the difference between retail bakeries and wholesale manufacturing operations.
Retailers selling bakery products not manufactured on the same premises are excluded and fall under ANZSIC 4129 (Other Specialised Food Retailing).
Practical guidance
When establishing a biscuit manufacturing business in Australia, you'll need to register for an ABN and likely GST if your annual turnover exceeds $75,000. Your Business Industry Code (BIC) will typically align with this ANZSIC classification for tax purposes.
Workers' compensation insurance premiums are calculated based on your ANZSIC classification through state schemes like WorkCover. Factory-based food manufacturing generally carries different risk profiles and premium rates compared to retail bakery operations.
Compliance with Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) regulations is mandatory, and you may need specific food safety certifications such as HACCP. Some states require additional licensing for food manufacturing premises.
When applying for business loans, grants, or industry assistance programs, you'll typically need to specify your ANZSIC code. Some manufacturing grants or export development programs may be specifically targeted to food processing operations classified under this category.