What this class covers
ANZSIC class 1851 covers Australian businesses primarily engaged in manufacturing cleaning compounds and related chemical preparations. This includes establishments producing household, commercial, and industrial cleaning products through chemical synthesis or compounding processes. Typical operations involve blending raw materials to create formulations designed for cleaning, sanitizing, polishing, or scouring surfaces.
Examples of businesses in this class include soap manufacturers producing bar soaps and liquid hand soaps for commercial use, detergent factories making laundry and dishwashing products, specialty chemical companies formulating industrial disinfectants and sanitizers, polish manufacturers creating furniture and floor maintenance products, and dental product companies manufacturing toothpaste and denture cleaners. These operations typically require chemical processing equipment, quality control laboratories, and adherence to chemical safety regulations.
This classification is used by government agencies, researchers, and industry associations to track the cleaning product manufacturing sector's economic contribution, employment patterns, and trade statistics. Businesses use this code when registering for an ABN, applying for specific manufacturing permits, or reporting industry-specific data to regulatory bodies.
Primary activities in plain English
Businesses in this class typically engage in one or more of the following activities:
- Manufacturing laundry detergents, dishwashing liquids, and other household cleaning products
- Producing industrial and institutional cleaning compounds for commercial use
- Making surface disinfectants and sanitizing preparations
- Manufacturing toothpaste, denture cleaners, and other oral hygiene products
- Producing scouring powders, abrasive cleaners, and specialized cleaning compounds
- Manufacturing furniture polishes, floor waxes, and other surface treatment products
- Producing emulsifiers, penetrants, and other surface-active agents used in cleaning formulations
- Manufacturing bleach products based on hypochlorite or peroxide formulations
- Producing glycerine as a by-product of soap manufacturing processes
Exclusions and nearby codes
Certain manufacturing activities are specifically excluded from this class and classified elsewhere:
Manufacturing of hair shampoos, shaving preparations, and other personal care products falls under Class 1852 Cosmetic and Toiletry Preparation Manufacturing. This distinction separates cleaning compounds from personal grooming products despite some formulation similarities.
Production of solvent-based cleaners derived from petroleum refining processes is included in Class 1701 Petroleum Refining and Petroleum Fuel Manufacturing. This exclusion applies to cleaners where the primary active ingredient is a petroleum-derived solvent.
Manufacturing of chemicals used primarily for leather tanning rather than cleaning purposes is classified under Class 1813 Basic Inorganic Chemical Manufacturing, as these are considered industrial processing chemicals rather than cleaning compounds.
Practical guidance
When registering your business activities with the Australian Business Register, use ANZSIC code 1851 and corresponding Business Industry Code (BIC) 18510 for cleaning compound manufacturing. This ensures consistent classification across government systems including tax reporting, grant applications, and statistical surveys.
Workers' compensation insurance classifications may vary by state, but typically fall under manufacturing categories with risk assessments based on chemical handling processes. Premiums are influenced by factors including chemical storage, processing methods, and workplace safety protocols rather than ANZSIC code alone.
Businesses in this sector should maintain accurate records of chemical inventories, safety data sheets, and environmental compliance documentation. Manufacturing operations may require specific environmental permits, workplace health and safety plans, and compliance with Australian standards for chemical products.
When completing Business Activity Statements, ensure appropriate treatment of GST for manufacturing inputs and finished products. Export-oriented manufacturers should verify specific requirements for chemical product exports, including customs documentation and international compliance certifications.