What this class covers
ANZSIC class 3501 covers businesses primarily engaged in the wholesale distribution of new and used passenger motor cars in Australia. This classification applies to operations that purchase vehicles from manufacturers or other sources and sell them to retailers, dealerships, rental companies, or other business customers rather than directly to the public. The classification sits within the broader motor vehicle wholesale sector and specifically focuses on passenger vehicles designed for personal transportation.
Typical businesses in this class include independent car wholesalers who source vehicles from auctions or private sellers, manufacturer-affiliated distributors supplying franchise dealership networks, and specialist wholesale operations focusing on specific vehicle types or market segments. These businesses typically operate from industrial or commercial premises rather than retail showrooms and may provide limited ancillary services such as vehicle preparation, inspection, or short-term storage.
This classification is used across Australian government agencies for statistical reporting, business registration, and industry analysis. The Australian Bureau of Statistics uses ANZSIC codes to track economic activity in the motor vehicle wholesale sector, while state revenue offices may reference these classifications for payroll tax and other business reporting requirements.
Primary activities in plain English
Businesses classified under ANZSIC 3501 primarily engage in:
- Purchasing new passenger cars from manufacturers or importers for resale to car dealerships
- Sourceing used passenger vehicles from various channels including auctions, trade-ins, and private sales for wholesale distribution
- Selling vehicles to other businesses in the motor vehicle trade rather than directly to consumers
- Operating wholesale facilities that may include vehicle storage, preparation, and inspection services
- Managing inventory and supply chain relationships within the automotive distribution network
Exclusions and nearby codes
This classification specifically excludes businesses that wholesale commercial vehicles such as trucks, buses, vans, or other heavy vehicles. These activities are classified separately under ANZSIC 3502: Commercial Vehicle Wholesaling.
Businesses that retail cars directly to consumers fall under different classifications in the retail trade division, typically ANZSIC 3911 for Motor Vehicle Retailing. Similarly, businesses that wholesale motor vehicle parts and accessories rather than complete vehicles are classified under ANZSIC 3503 for Motor Vehicle Parts Wholesaling.
The broader classification structure includes Division F for Wholesale Trade, with Subdivision 35 specifically covering Motor Vehicle and Motor Vehicle Parts Wholesaling activities.
Practical guidance
When registering your car wholesaling business in Australia, you'll typically need to select ANZSIC class 3501 for official documentation. This classification corresponds to Business Industry Code (BIC) 35010, which is used for Australian Business Register registration and some tax purposes.
For workers' compensation insurance, most Australian states use ANZSIC classifications to determine premium rates. Car wholesaling generally falls under lower risk categories compared to vehicle repair or manufacturing operations, but rates vary by state and specific business activities.
When completing Business Activity Statements (BAS) and tax returns, ensure you accurately report your business activities under the wholesale trade category. The ATO uses industry classifications for compliance purposes, and incorrect classification may affect your GST reporting requirements or eligibility for certain tax treatments.
Some government business grants or industry assistance programs may reference ANZSIC classifications for eligibility criteria. Always verify specific program requirements rather than assuming eligibility based solely on your ANZSIC code.