What this class covers
ANZSIC class 1701 covers businesses in Australia that primarily engage in petroleum refining and the manufacturing of petroleum-based fuels. This includes processing crude oil into various fuel products through refining operations, as well as blending materials to create finished petroleum fuels. The classification applies to operations that transform raw petroleum components into usable energy products for transportation, industrial, and heating applications.
Typical businesses in this class include crude oil refineries that process light and heavy crude components, facilities that manufacture aviation fuels like Avgas and jet fuel, plants producing automotive diesel and petrol, and operations creating liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as part of their refining process. This classification also encompasses facilities that blend petroleum fuels with ethanol or other additives to create specific fuel formulations.
In the Australian context, this classification is used by statistical agencies, government departments, and industry bodies to track activity in the downstream petroleum sector. Businesses operating in this space are typically large-scale industrial operations subject to specific environmental and safety regulations due to the hazardous nature of their materials and processes.
Primary activities in plain English
Businesses classified under ANZSIC 1701 typically engage in one or more of the following activities:
- Refining crude oil to produce various petroleum products
- Manufacturing automotive fuels including diesel and petrol (motor spirit)
- Producing aviation fuels such as Avgas and jet fuel
- Creating heating oils and industrial diesel for commercial use
- Manufacturing kerosene and gas oils
- Producing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as part of refining operations
- Blending petroleum fuels with ethanol or other components
- Manufacturing base stocks for oils and greases
Exclusions and nearby codes
Several related activities are excluded from ANZSIC 1701 and classified elsewhere:
Processing of oil and grease stocks beyond base manufacturing is included in ANZSIC 1709 (Other Petroleum and Coal Product Manufacturing), which also covers manufacturing cyclic crude compounds and petroleum waxes.
Manufacturing organic alcohol solvents including methanol, ethanol, glycols and ether falls under ANZSIC 1812 (Basic Organic Chemical Manufacturing), even when these alcohols are used in fuel applications.
Production of pure hydrocarbon gases is classified under ANZSIC 1811 (Industrial Gas Manufacturing) rather than this petroleum refining class.
Practical guidance
When registering your business with the Australian Business Register (ABR), you'll need to select ANZSIC 1701 if your primary activity involves petroleum refining or petroleum fuel manufacturing. This determines your Business Industry Code (BIC 17010), which is used for statistical purposes and may affect how various government agencies classify your operation.
For tax purposes, businesses in this classification typically need to be aware of specific fuel tax credits and excise arrangements that apply to petroleum products. Workers' compensation classifications may reflect the high-risk nature of refinery operations, which could affect premium calculations.
This classification may also be relevant for environmental reporting requirements, as petroleum refining operations are subject to specific regulations under Australia's environmental protection frameworks. Larger operations in this sector may need to comply with additional reporting obligations related to energy production and emissions.