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 4222 classifies Australian businesses primarily engaged in retailing computers and computer peripheral equipment from physical store locations. This includes businesses that sell complete computer systems, individual components, and accessories necessary for computer operation. These retailers typically operate from dedicated retail premises such as storefronts in shopping centres or standalone specialty stores.

Examples of businesses that fall under this classification include:

  • A dedicated computer store selling desktops, laptops, and components
  • An electronics retailer specializing in printers, monitors, and computer accessories
  • A business selling computer software (excluding games) alongside hardware
  • A store focused on data storage devices and computer peripherals
  • A retailer of computer game consoles as part of a broader computer equipment offering

This classification is used by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) for collecting and analysing industry data, and by businesses for various regulatory and administrative purposes including tax filing and insurance classification.

Primary activities in plain English

Businesses in this class are primarily engaged in:

  • Selling computer hardware including desktops, laptops, and servers
  • Retailing computer peripheral equipment such as monitors, printers, and scanners
  • Selling data storage devices including external hard drives and CD/DVD burners
  • Retailing computer software (excluding computer games)
  • Selling computer game consoles as part of a computer equipment retail business
  • Retailing visual display units (VDUs) and other computer output devices
  • Selling computer accessories including keyboards, mice, and cables

Exclusions and nearby codes

This class specifically excludes retailing computer games, which falls under ANZSIC class 4242: Entertainment Media Retailing. Businesses primarily engaged in retailing computer games should use that classification instead.

Other related classifications include:

  • ANZSIC group 422: Electrical and Electronic Goods Retailing - the broader category that contains this class
  • ANZSIC class 4221: Domestic Appliance Retailing - for businesses selling household appliances
  • Various repair and maintenance classifications for businesses primarily offering computer repair services rather than retail

The boundary between these classifications depends on the primary activity of the business, which is determined by which activity generates the most revenue.

Practical guidance

When registering your business with the Australian Business Register (ABR) for an ABN, you'll need to select your main business activity. If you're primarily retailing computers and peripherals, ANZSIC 4222 is the appropriate classification. This classification may also be used on your Business Activity Statement (BAS) and tax returns.

For workers' compensation insurance, this classification helps determine your premium rates based on industry risk factors. The corresponding Business Industry Code (BIC) for insurance purposes is 42220, which aligns with this ANZSIC class.

When applying for business loans, grants, or industry-specific programs, you may be asked for your ANZSIC classification to determine eligibility. Keep accurate records of your revenue sources, as the distinction between computer retail (4222) and entertainment media retail (4242) depends on your primary sales activities.

Note that ANZSIC classifications are statistical categories and don't directly determine tax obligations or legal requirements, though they may influence how regulatory bodies assess your business activities.