Important: This page is an independent reference summary. Verify classification decisions against the official ABS source before using them for tax, licensing, immigration or compliance purposes.

What this class covers

ANZSIC class 1351 classifies Australian businesses primarily engaged in manufacturing clothing from woven textiles, leather, fur, or synthetic materials. This classification excludes knitted clothing production, which falls under a separate category. Businesses in this class typically transform fabrics and materials into finished garments through cutting, sewing, and finishing processes.

Common examples include factories producing business shirts and trousers, workwear manufacturers creating high-visibility clothing, swimwear producers making board shorts and bikinis, uniform suppliers for corporate or service industries, and accessory manufacturers producing items like leather belts or fabric hats. The classification also encompasses clothing trade services such as professional hemming, buttonholing, or custom alterations performed on a commercial scale.

This classification is used by government agencies, researchers, and industry bodies to track the Australian clothing manufacturing sector's performance, employment patterns, and economic contribution. Businesses use this code when registering for ABNs, filing tax returns, applying for industry-specific programs, and reporting to statistical authorities.

Primary activities in plain English

Businesses in this class typically engage in:

  • Manufacturing clothing from woven fabrics, leather, fur, or synthetic materials
  • Producing men's, women's, and children's garments including outerwear, underwear, and sleepwear
  • Making specialized clothing like uniforms, workwear, swimwear, and protective garments
  • Manufacturing clothing accessories such as belts, ties, gloves, and handkerchiefs
  • Producing headwear including hats, caps, and fabric-based helmets
  • Operating clothing trade services like professional alterations, hemming, and buttonholing

Exclusions and nearby codes

This class excludes several related manufacturing activities that fall under different ANZSIC classifications:

This class belongs to Group 135 (Clothing and Footwear Manufacturing) and sits alongside class 1352 (Footwear Manufacturing) at the same level.

Practical guidance

When registering your business with the Australian Business Register, you'll need to select the appropriate ANZSIC classification, which determines your Business Industry Code (BIC) for tax purposes. Clothing manufacturers typically fall under BIC 13510, which aligns with this ANZSIC class.

Your classification affects several operational aspects: workers' compensation premiums are calculated based on industry risk factors associated with clothing manufacturing; GST reporting requires accurate industry coding; and eligibility for industry-specific grants or support programs may depend on correct classification.

Keep documentation of your manufacturing processes and primary revenue sources, as you may need to justify your classification to the ATO or statistical authorities. If your business engages in both clothing manufacturing and retail activities, the classification should reflect your primary income source.