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 3322 covers businesses primarily engaged in wholesaling basic metal products, minerals, and related materials in Australia. This classification applies to enterprises that purchase these goods in bulk from producers or importers and sell them to other businesses rather than directly to consumers. The class focuses on intermediate products that serve as raw materials for manufacturing, construction, and industrial processes.

Typical businesses in this category include:

  • Steel merchants distributing structural steel, bars, plates, and tubes to construction companies
  • Coal and coke suppliers serving industrial clients and energy producers
  • Metal scrap dealers who collect, process, and wholesale scrap metal to foundries and recyclers
  • Mineral wholesalers supplying industrial minerals like silica, clay, or limestone to manufacturers
  • Non-ferrous metal distributors handling aluminium, copper, and alloy products

This classification is used by the Australian Bureau of Statistics for economic data collection, by businesses for ABN registration, and by government agencies for industry analysis and policy development.

Primary activities in plain English

Businesses classified under ANZSIC 3322 typically engage in one or more of these core activities:

  • Wholesaling aluminium, copper, and other metal alloys to manufacturers
  • Distributing specialty metals like bearing metals for industrial applications
  • Supplying compressed fuel products like charcoal briquettes or coal briquettes
  • Wholesaling charcoal for industrial or commercial use (not retail)
  • Distributing coal to industrial users, power stations, and other businesses
  • Supplying coke (processed coal) to metallurgical and industrial customers
  • Trading in copper and copper alloy products for industrial applications
  • Collecting, processing, and wholesaling metal scrap and waste materials
  • Distributing metallic ores to smelters and processing facilities
  • Supplying mineral earths like clay, sand, and industrial minerals
  • Wholesaling other minerals not specifically classified elsewhere
  • Trading in precious metal scrap including gold, silver, and platinum group metals
  • Distributing steel products including bars, plates, rods, sheets, and strips

Exclusions and nearby codes

This class specifically excludes businesses engaged in activities that fall under other ANZSIC classifications. While complete exclusion data isn't provided in the source material, several nearby codes cover related but distinct activities:

Chemical product wholesaling (ANZSIC 3323) covers businesses dealing in industrial chemicals, fertilizers, and chemical products rather than basic metals and minerals. Hardware goods wholesaling (ANZSIC 3641) includes businesses selling finished hardware products rather than raw materials. Petroleum product wholesaling (ANZSIC 3311) covers fuel distribution excluding coal and coke which remain in 3322.

The classification system includes related BIC codes 33221 and 33229 which provide more specific breakdowns within this class. Businesses should ensure they select the most specific classification that matches their primary activity when registering for tax purposes or reporting to government agencies.

Practical guidance

When registering your business for an Australian Business Number (ABN), you'll need to select the appropriate ANZSIC classification that matches your primary activity. For metal and mineral wholesalers, this typically means ANZSIC 3322 if your main business involves distributing these materials to other businesses rather than retail consumers.

Your classification affects your Business Industry Code (BIC) for tax purposes and can influence your workers' compensation insurance premiums, as different industries have different risk profiles. The Australian Bureau of Statistics uses this data for economic reporting, so accurate classification helps maintain reliable industry statistics.

Some government grants and industry assistance programs may target specific classifications, so ensuring accurate registration can help identify potential eligibility. When completing Business Activity Statements (BAS) and tax returns, your classification helps the ATO understand your business context, though it doesn't directly determine tax obligations.

If your business engages in multiple activities, you should classify based on the activity that generates the majority of your revenue. Businesses that significantly change their primary activity should update their ABN registration to reflect the new classification.