What this class covers
ANZSIC class 1611 classifies Australian businesses primarily engaged in printing activities and reprographic services. This classification encompasses various printing methods applied to multiple materials including paper, plastics, and metals. The class includes both traditional printing operations and modern digital services that serve commercial, promotional, and personal printing needs across the Australian market.
Typical businesses in this class include commercial printers producing marketing materials, digital print shops offering on-demand printing, screen printing specialists working on apparel and textiles, reprographic services providing large-format printing and copying, and specialty printers working with non-paper substrates like metal or plastic. These operations may serve other businesses, retail customers, or both, depending on their business model and equipment capabilities.
The classification is used by government agencies including the Australian Bureau of Statistics for economic data collection, by the Australian Taxation Office for business activity reporting, and by state revenue offices for payroll tax purposes. Businesses may also encounter this classification when applying for industry-specific grants or completing regulatory reporting requirements.
Primary activities in plain English
Businesses classified under ANZSIC 1611 typically engage in one or more of these core activities:
- Digital printing services using computer-controlled equipment
- Offset lithographic printing using traditional plate-based methods
- Photocopying and reprographic services for documents
- Relief printing including letterpress and flexographic techniques
- Screen printing on clothing and other made-up textile products
- Serigraphy (artistic screen printing) services
These activities may involve printing on diverse materials beyond paper, including plastics, metals, textiles, and other substrates depending on the business's equipment and specialization.
Exclusions and nearby codes
Several related activities are specifically excluded from ANZSIC 1611 and classified elsewhere:
Pre-press services, typesetting, binding, and other printing support activities fall under ANZSIC 1612 (Printing Support Services). Businesses that primarily provide these supporting services rather than the actual printing should use that classification instead.
Newspaper publishing operations are classified under ANZSIC 5411 (Newspaper Publishing), even when they include printing activities. The publishing function takes precedence over the printing function in classification determination.
Businesses that manufacture clothing rather than just printing on pre-made garments would need to consult other manufacturing classifications within Division C, depending on their specific production processes.
Practical guidance
When registering your printing business with the Australian Business Register, you'll need to select appropriate industry classifications. ANZSIC 1611 corresponds to Business Industry Code (BIC) 16110 for taxation purposes. Ensure you select the most accurate classification as it can affect your GST registration requirements, tax obligations, and eligibility for industry-specific programs.
For workers' compensation insurance, printing businesses typically fall under manufacturing classifications in state-based schemes, though specific rates vary by state and territory. Contact your local WorkCover authority for precise premium calculations based on your payroll and specific operations.
When completing Business Activity Statements (BAS), printing businesses should correctly report GST on both printed products and associated services. Keep detailed records of input tax credits claimed on printing equipment, supplies, and other business expenses to ensure compliance with ATO requirements.
Industry associations such as the Printing Industries Association of Australia can provide sector-specific guidance on regulatory changes, technology trends, and business development opportunities relevant to Australian printing businesses.