What this class covers
ANZSIC class 1320 categorises Australian businesses engaged in transforming raw animal hides and skins into finished leather, dressing and preparing fur, and manufacturing a range of leather goods. This industrial classification captures the core processes of the leather production chain, from initial treatment to the creation of final products, excluding clothing and footwear.
Typical operations include tanning hides through chemical processes to prevent decomposition, currying (softening and waterproofing), and finishing leather through dyeing or embossing. It also covers fellmongery operations, which involve removing wool from sheepskins, producing slipe wool, and dressing fur skins for use in items like rugs.
This class is used by businesses, government agencies, and researchers in Australia to consistently track the economic activity of this niche manufacturing sector. For example, a small business operating a tannery processing cattle hides, a workshop manufacturing equestrian saddlery and harnesses, or a manufacturer producing leather handbags and suitcases would all be classified here.
Primary activities in plain English
Businesses in this class are primarily engaged in the following activities:
- Tanning, currying, dyeing, embossing, or finishing animal hides and skins to produce leather.
- Dressing, bleaching, scraping, or dyeing fur skins and pelts.
- Operating a fellmongery, which involves pulling wool from sheepskins or lamb skins.
- Manufacturing leather goods such as handbags, wallets, suitcases, and briefcases.
- Producing saddlery, harnesses, and other equestrian equipment from leather.
- Making industrial leather products like machine belting or industrial packing.
- Manufacturing leather toys or sheepskin seat covers.
Exclusions and nearby codes
Certain activities are specifically excluded from this class and are classified elsewhere in the ANZSIC system. It is important for accurate reporting to use the correct code.
Manufacturing textile or canvas bags for packaging is not included here; it is classified under ANZSIC 1333: Cut and Sewn Textile Product Manufacturing.
The production of leather clothing, including belts, gloves, and fur or leather apparel, is excluded and falls under ANZSIC 1351: Clothing Manufacturing.
Similarly, manufacturing leather footwear is classified separately under ANZSIC 1352: Footwear Manufacturing.
Practical guidance
When registering for an Australian Business Number (ABN), you will likely need to select this ANZSIC code if your primary activity aligns with the descriptions above. This classification is used by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to understand your business activities for tax purposes, including your Business Activity Statement (BAS).
Your state or territory's workers' compensation authority (e.g., WorkSafe Victoria, SafeWork NSW) will also use your ANZSIC code to determine your industry risk profile and premium rates. Furthermore, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) uses these codes for collecting economic data; your business may be selected for surveys based on this classification.
For statistical purposes, the corresponding Business Industry Code (BIC) is 13200. Businesses in this sector should also be aware of industry-specific regulations concerning environmental management and workplace safety due to the use of chemicals in tanning and processing.