What this class covers
ANZSIC class 1521 classifies Australian businesses whose primary activity is the manufacturing of packaging products from paperboard. This involves converting paper or paperboard (which is manufactured elsewhere) into finished, often structural, containers. A key characteristic of this class is the production of corrugated paperboard, which consists of a fluted sheet sandwiched between two liners, providing strength and cushioning. This material is then fabricated into boxes, sheets, or other containers. Typical businesses in this class operate plants with machinery for corrugating, cutting, folding, and printing. These operations supply a wide range of industries, including logistics, food and beverage, manufacturing, and retail, providing essential packaging for transport and product presentation.
Examples of businesses operating within this classification include:
- A factory that produces custom-sized corrugated cardboard boxes for shipping electronics.
- A manufacturer creating protective corrugated sheets used as interior packaging to secure goods within a larger box.
- A plant specializing in high-quality printed solid paperboard cartons for cosmetic or pharmaceutical products.
Primary activities in plain English
This class includes businesses mainly engaged in the following activities:
- Manufacturing corrugated cardboard boxes of all sizes for shipping and storage.
- Producing corrugated paperboard sheets, which can be sold as flat packaging material or used to make boxes.
- Manufacturing solid paperboard containers, such as folding cartons and rigid boxes used for consumer products.
Exclusions and nearby codes
It is important to note which activities are excluded from this class and are classified elsewhere. The initial manufacturing of the raw paperboard material itself is not included here; that activity falls under ANZSIC class 1510: Pulp, Paper and Paperboard Manufacturing. Furthermore, businesses that manufacture paper bags and sacks are classified under ANZSIC class 1522: Paper Bag Manufacturing. This ensures a clear distinction between rigid container manufacturing and flexible bag production within the converted paper product sector.
Practical guidance
When registering your business, you will need to select this ANZSIC code (1521) for your Australian Business Number (ABN) application if it accurately describes your main activity. This code will also be used on your Business Activity Statement (BAS) for GST reporting purposes. For workers' compensation insurance, your state or territory authority will use your ANZSIC code to determine your premium risk category. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) may use this classification for business surveys, and some industry grants or rebates may target businesses within specific ANZSIC classes. The related BIC code 15210 is used for import/export declarations with the Australian Border Force.