Editorial guide

How to change an ANZSIC code

Businesses often outgrow the code they started with. If the predominant activity has changed, the ANZSIC class should be reviewed so that reporting and tax-facing references still describe the real business.

Start by confirming that the activity really changed

Do not change the code for minor experiments or one-off projects. Review it when the main revenue activity, customer offering or operating model has genuinely shifted from one industry family to another.

A business that began as consulting and is now mainly software product delivery may need a different code even if the brand name stayed the same.

Re-run the hierarchy from division to class

Open the likely division, subdivision, group and class pages again rather than assuming the new code will sit beside the old one. The business may have moved to a different branch of ANZSIC entirely.

Use the class page as the final checkpoint because that is where the exact wording, primary activities and exclusions appear.

Keep ANZSIC and BIC aligned

If the ANZSIC class changes, the linked ATO Business Industry Code may also need review. That prevents the business from carrying one industry code in tax-facing workflows and another in the reference layer.

Use the BIC page only after the new class has been confirmed.

Related reference sections

Important reminder

These guides are editorial support content. They explain how the classification systems are commonly used in practice, but they do not replace the official ABS, ATO or government process that controls the final decision.

Codes mentioned in this guide

Frequently asked questions

When should I review an ANZSIC code?

Review it when the predominant activity has changed in a meaningful, lasting way rather than for a temporary side project.

Do I need to re-check the BIC code too?

Yes. If the parent ANZSIC class changes, the tax-facing BIC reference may need to change as well.

Can I keep the old code if the business expanded?

Only if the original activity is still clearly predominant. If another activity has taken over, the code should be reviewed.

Source and trust

Official sources
ABS classifications and related official publications
Last reviewed
2026-04-18

This guide is an independent editorial reference. Verify tax, visa, registration, licensing and compliance decisions with the relevant official authority.

Please verify critical classification decisions with the official authority before using them for tax, payroll, licensing, immigration or compliance work.

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