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 3800, Commission-Based Wholesaling, classifies businesses that act as intermediaries in the wholesale supply chain. These entities facilitate the sale of goods between other businesses but do not take legal ownership (title) of the products themselves. Instead, they operate on a fee or commission basis, earning income for the service of connecting buyers and sellers or negotiating sales on behalf of a principal.

This model is common in industries where specialised market knowledge or extensive networks are valuable. The principal (the owner of the goods) retains the risk and reward of ownership, while the agent or broker provides the sales function. In Australia, this classification is used by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) for data collection, and by businesses when registering for an ABN and reporting their primary activity.

Typical examples of operations in this class include:

  • A livestock agent who auctions cattle for farmers at a regional saleyard.
  • An independent sales agency that represents multiple overseas manufacturers to Australian retailers.
  • A wool broker who negotiates the sale of wool clips from growers to international textile mills.
  • An electronic auction platform facilitating business-to-business sales of industrial equipment.
  • A stock and station agent providing a full suite of sales and advisory services to rural clients.

Primary activities in plain English

Businesses in this class are primarily engaged in the following activities, rephrased for clarity:

  • Operating auction services for goods (excluding real estate auctions).
  • Organising and running auctions for livestock.
  • Running online auction platforms for business goods.
  • Acting as an export agent, finding overseas buyers for a local business's products.
  • Acting as an import agent, sourcing overseas goods for Australian businesses.
  • Operating as a livestock agent, managing the sale of animals for farmers.
  • Working as a manufacturer's sales agent, selling products on behalf of producers.
  • Operating as a stock and station agent, providing rural sales and services.
  • Running a stockyard operation as part of the livestock sales process.
  • Acting as a sales agent for another wholesaler.
  • Specialising in wool broking, negotiating sales between growers and buyers.
  • Other goods wholesale broking activities not elsewhere classified.

Exclusions and nearby codes

It is important to note the activities that are specifically excluded from this class and classified elsewhere in the ANZSIC.

Businesses that arrange the purchase of travel and related services (e.g., booking flights and accommodation) are not included here. This activity is classified under ANZSIC 7220: Travel Agency and Tour Arrangement Services.

All activities of real estate agents are excluded. The sale, purchase, or leasing of property is covered by ANZSIC 6720: Real Estate Services.

Firms engaged in the broking of financial or insurance services are also excluded. These are found within Subdivision 64: Auxiliary Finance and Insurance Services, which includes classes for insurance brokers and financial advisers.

Practical guidance

When registering for an Australian Business Number (ABN), you will be asked to select your main business activity. If your core operation is commission-based wholesaling, ANZSIC 3800 is the appropriate code. This code may also be referred to as Business Industry Code (BIC) 38000 in some contexts, such as for state-based registrations.

This classification can influence your obligations. For reporting on your Business Activity Statement (BAS), you must correctly report your commission income. For workers' compensation insurance, your premium may be calculated based on this industry classification, which is generally considered a lower-risk administrative and sales environment compared to physical goods handling.

When applying for industry-specific grants or loans, your eligibility may be assessed against your ANZSIC code. Always ensure the code you use accurately reflects your primary revenue-generating activity, as misclassification can lead to incorrect tax treatment or eligibility assessments for support programs.