SIC Code

Verified by Rachel Mayfield, Supply Chain Analyst - April 2026

SIC Code is a standard industrial classification code used by Companies House to categorise UK businesses by their primary activity. The SIC Code system helps procurement managers and maintenance engineers identify suppliers and manufacturers based on the type of products they produce. For example, if you're looking for fasteners or bearings, an SIC Code search can help narrow down which companies specialise in these items. This classification is important when sourcing components like A2-70 stainless steel bolts or EN8 carbon steel washers. SIC Codes are structured into a hierarchical system of four-digit codes that reflect specific business activities. For instance, 2519 refers to the production of forged metal products, while 3240 covers general engineering and manufacturing. Maintenance engineers can use SIC Codes to find suppliers who adhere to relevant standards such as ISO 9001 for quality management or BS EN ISO 898-1:2017+A1:2019 for metric bolts and screws. Common values of SIC Codes range from 0110 (Cultivation of cereals) to 9499 (Other business support activities). For engineers, specific codes like 3260 (Precision engineering) or 3270 (Tool-making) are particularly relevant. These codes help in identifying suppliers who meet the exacting standards required for precision parts and tools. When selecting engineering components, SIC Codes assist in pinpointing companies that specialise in materials such as titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V grade 5 or brass C2700 (C37701) conforming to BS EN 1982. For instance, a company with an SIC Code of 3260 will likely provide high-quality parts that meet industry standards like those set by the British Fastener Trade Association (BFTA) or the British Institute of Non-Ferrous Metals (BIM). In practice, SIC Codes streamline the procurement process. For example, a workshop owner looking for carbon fibre components can use an SIC Code search to find manufacturers with codes related to composite materials production, such as 3240. This ensures that suppliers have the expertise and equipment to produce parts like those specified in BS EN ISO 9013-1:2017 for fibre-reinforced plastic pipes. By using SIC Codes, engineers can efficiently locate reputable suppliers who adhere to industry standards and offer components with precise material grades and specifications. This saves time and ensures that the parts selected meet quality requirements set by organisations like the British Tool & Machining Association (BTMA) or the British Precision Machined Parts Association (BPMA).