What this class covers
ANZSIC class 6940 categorises businesses that provide advertising services to clients in Australia. This classification covers operations that create, plan, and place advertisements across various media channels. These businesses typically work on behalf of clients rather than selling advertising space from their own media properties.
Common examples include advertising agencies that develop complete marketing campaigns, media buying services that purchase ad space on clients' behalf, and creative studios that produce advertising materials. The class also encompasses specialized services like aerial advertising, direct mail campaigns, and sample distribution services where the primary purpose is promotional.
This classification is used by government agencies, researchers, and businesses themselves to track the advertising services sector. When registering your business or filing tax returns, using the correct ANZSIC code helps ensure accurate industry reporting and appropriate regulatory treatment.
Primary activities in plain English
Businesses in this class typically engage in:
- Operating as advertising agencies that create and manage complete advertising campaigns
- Designing and producing advertising materials like brochures, commercials, and digital ads
- Planning media strategies and purchasing advertising space/time on behalf of clients
- Selling advertising space or time as an intermediary (earning commission or fees)
- Providing specialized advertising services including aerial advertising and direct mail
- Distracting product samples as a promotional activity
Exclusions and nearby codes
This class specifically excludes businesses that sell advertising space from their own media properties. These operations fall under Division J (Information Media and Telecommunications) instead.
Key exclusions include:
- Newspapers, magazines, or publishers selling ad space in their own publications
- Radio or television broadcasters selling advertising time on their own stations
- Website owners selling advertising space on their own digital properties
Related classifications include other professional services in Division M and media businesses in Division J. The corresponding Business Industry Code (BIC) for tax purposes is 69400.
Practical guidance
When registering your ABN, selecting ANZSIC 6940 helps identify your business as providing advertising services. This classification flows through to your Business Industry Code (BIC 69400) for tax reporting purposes.
For workers' compensation insurance, advertising services typically fall under professional services categories, but premium rates vary by state and the specific nature of your operations. Some states may have different classifications for creative versus media buying services.
When applying for business grants or industry assistance programs, using the correct classification ensures you're considered for appropriate programs. Keep in mind that some advertising-adjacent services like public relations, market research, and graphic design (without advertising context) may fall under different ANZSIC classes.