What this class covers
ANZSIC class 7311 categorises businesses providing building cleaning and industrial cleaning services throughout Australia. This classification covers operations that maintain cleanliness in various environments using non-abrasive methods. Typical businesses in this class include commercial cleaning companies servicing offices and retail spaces, residential cleaning services for homes and apartments, and specialized operations like window cleaning services or swimming pool maintenance providers.
The classification is used by government agencies, researchers, and businesses themselves to track industry performance, allocate resources, and ensure proper regulatory compliance. Australian businesses use this code when registering for an ABN, applying for industry-specific grants, or reporting statistical data to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It helps differentiate these maintenance services from construction-related cleaning or laundry services which fall under separate classifications.
Primary activities in plain English
Businesses in this class typically engage in:
- Cleaning building interiors including offices, homes, and commercial spaces
- Exterior building cleaning (but not using sand blasting or steam cleaning methods)
- Window cleaning services for residential and commercial properties
- Street sweeping and road cleaning operations
- Transport equipment cleaning including vehicles, aircraft, and trains
- Specialized cleaning such as chimney, duct, and gutter cleaning
- Swimming pool cleaning and maintenance services
- Janitorial services that may include multiple cleaning functions
Exclusions and nearby codes
This class specifically excludes certain activities that fall under other ANZSIC classifications. Sand blasting or steam cleaning of building exteriors is classified under ANZSIC 3299 (Other Construction Services n.e.c.) as these are considered construction activities rather than maintenance cleaning.
Laundry and dry-cleaning services are excluded from this class and instead belong to ANZSIC 9531 (Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Services). This distinction separates garment and textile cleaning from building and industrial cleaning services.
Practical guidance
When registering your cleaning business in Australia, you'll need to use Business Industry Code (BIC) 73110, which corresponds directly with ANZSIC 7311. This ensures proper classification for tax purposes and statistical reporting. The Australian Taxation Office uses this classification to determine appropriate tax obligations and reporting requirements.
Workers' compensation premiums are influenced by this classification, as cleaning work involves physical risks including slips, falls, and exposure to chemicals. Maintain accurate records of your activities as cleaning businesses often work with contractors and may need to report under various tax arrangements. Industry associations such as the Australian Cleaning Contractors Alliance can provide additional sector-specific guidance for compliance and best practices.