What this class covers
ANZSIC class 5412 categorises Australian businesses primarily engaged in creating and distributing magazines, journals, and other periodic publications through print or mixed media channels. This classification applies to enterprises whose main revenue comes from either content sales or advertising space within their own publications. The class captures the traditional publishing model where businesses develop editorial content, manage production, and distribute physical or digital periodicals to readers.
Typical operations in this class include monthly lifestyle magazines, quarterly academic journals, weekly trade publications, and specialty periodicals like racing forms or TV guides. For example, a company publishing a bimonthly culinary magazine sold in Australian newsagents, a firm producing weekly industry newsletters for professional subscribers, or an organisation creating monthly comic books for retail distribution would all fall under this classification. The common thread is the regular, scheduled nature of the publications and the publisher's role in content creation and dissemination.
Primary activities in plain English
Businesses in this class typically engage in one or more of these core activities:
- Publishing magazines, including consumer titles covering topics like fashion, sports, or current affairs
- Producing journals, particularly academic, scientific, or trade publications for professional audiences
- Creating and distributing newsletters on a regular schedule for subscribers or members
- Publishing comic books and graphic novels through traditional retail channels
- Producing periodical reference materials like television guides, racing forms, or program schedules
- Generating revenue through advertising space sales within these publications
Exclusions and nearby codes
Several related activities fall outside this classification and have their own ANZSIC codes:
Businesses that publish magazines and periodicals exclusively online are classified under ANZSIC 5700: Internet Publishing and Broadcasting. This distinction reflects the different business models and distribution channels between digital-only and print/mixed-media publishing.
Companies that sell advertising space in publications they don't publish themselves belong in ANZSIC 6940: Advertising Services. Similarly, businesses that solely print magazines and periodicals without being involved in content creation or publishing operations are classified under ANZSIC 1611: Printing.
Practical guidance
When registering your business with the Australian Taxation Office, you should use Business Industry Code (BIC) 54120, which corresponds directly to ANZSIC 5412. This ensures proper classification for GST purposes, Business Activity Statements, and tax reporting. The classification may also affect your workers' compensation insurance premiums, as publishing operations have different risk profiles than printing or digital media businesses.
Government grants and industry support programs for the publishing sector often use ANZSIC codes to determine eligibility. If your business operates both print and digital publishing channels, you may need to review whether your primary revenue source aligns with this classification or if separate reporting for different activities is required. Always consult with a qualified accountant or business advisor for specific guidance on your situation.