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 2110 encompasses businesses engaged in the primary production of iron and steel products in Australia. This includes transforming iron ore or iron sands into basic iron products through smelting and refining processes, as well as manufacturing various types of steel by alloying iron with other elements. The classification also covers operations that convert basic iron and steel into primary shapes through hot or cold rolling processes, and facilities that recycle scrap ferrous metals back into usable raw materials.

Typical businesses in this class include integrated steel mills that handle the entire process from iron ore to finished steel products, mini-mills that primarily use electric arc furnaces to melt scrap metal, and specialized producers focusing on specific steel alloys or products. Examples include operations producing structural steel beams for construction, manufacturers creating stainless steel sheets for appliances, facilities producing steel rails for railway infrastructure, and plants manufacturing steel bars and rods for further processing.

This classification is used by Australian government agencies for statistical reporting, by businesses for ABN registration and tax purposes, and by industry associations for tracking manufacturing activity. The steel manufacturing sector represents a significant component of Australia's heavy manufacturing industry, with operations typically located near raw material sources or major transport infrastructure.

Primary activities in plain English

Businesses in this class typically engage in one or more of the following activities:

  • Smelting iron ore to produce basic iron products like pig iron, ingots, billets, and slabs
  • Manufacturing steel by combining iron with other elements such as carbon or chromium
  • Producing specialized steel alloys including stainless steel, tool steel, and spring steel
  • Hot or cold rolling steel into primary shapes like sheets, strips, bars, and rods
  • Manufacturing structural steel shapes such as beams, channels, and angles
  • Producing steel rails and rail accessories for transportation infrastructure
  • Manufacturing flat-rolled steel products including tinplate for packaging
  • Recycling scrap ferrous metals back into usable steel products
  • Producing iron and steel powders for various industrial applications

Exclusions and nearby codes

Several related activities are specifically excluded from this class and fall under other ANZSIC classifications:

Practical guidance

Businesses operating in iron smelting and steel manufacturing should register for an ABN and typically need to register for GST if annual turnover exceeds $75,000. When completing business activity statements and tax returns, use BIC code 21100 to ensure correct classification. This sector may qualify for various manufacturing grants and incentives, particularly those supporting energy efficiency or advanced manufacturing technologies.

Workers' compensation classifications for this industry typically fall under heavy manufacturing categories with associated risk premiums. Businesses should maintain accurate records of production volumes, energy consumption, and environmental compliance measures, as these may be required for regulatory reporting. Larger operations may need to comply with additional environmental regulations and reporting requirements due to the energy-intensive nature of steel production.

When determining the correct classification, consider whether your business activities involve primary steel production (this class) or further fabrication of steel products (other classes). If uncertain, consult the detailed ABS guidelines or seek professional advice regarding your specific operations.