A practical guide to reading NACE codes.

The European statistical classification for economic activities. A NACE code describes what an activity is, not whether a business is licensed, taxed, or registered in a particular way.

The broadest letter level, such as J for information and communication. Sections are useful for orientation but are usually too broad for operational coding.

A two-digit level inside a section. Divisions group related activity areas, such as 62 for computer programming, consultancy, and related activities.

A three-digit level that narrows a division. Groups help separate close activity families before the final class-level choice.

The four-digit level used for the most specific NACE Rev. 2.1 activity code, displayed here with a dot, such as 62.10.

The main activity that best represents the business or unit. Secondary activities can be recorded separately when they are meaningful.

Official activities that belong in a code. They are stronger evidence than a loose keyword match.

Official activities that should be classified elsewhere. Exclusions are often the fastest way to avoid a plausible but wrong code.

A country-specific presentation or implementation related to NACE, such as PKD, WZ, NAF, or ATECO. Local registration rules may differ from statistical classification guidance.