Industry code
The industry code is a numeric or alphanumeric identifier assigned to each company based on its economic activity. This code is part of an industrial classification system, which varies by country.
What is it?
The IndustryCode field represents the specific code within the industrial classification system used in a given country. This code defines a company’s primary economic activity and enables its categorisation within an industry sector.
Each country applies its own classification system with corresponding nomenclature:
- Spain: CNAE (Clasificación Nacional de Actividades Económicas)
- France: NAF (Nomenclature d'Activités Française)
- Italy: ATECO (Classificazione ATECO)
- Mexico: SCIAN (Sistema de Clasificación Industrial de América del Norte)
What is it for?
For data and B2B sales teams, IndustryCode is a key data point because it enables:
- Precise identification of the sector in which a company operates.
- Segmentation of clients and prospects by economic activity.
- Comparison of companies within the same industry.
- Market analysis and sector studies.
- Standardisation of data across multi-country business databases.
The industry code allows rapid understanding of a company’s specialisation and supports tailored commercial strategies and data analysis.
Codes by country
Each country uses its own industry code system. Below are examples from each classification.
Spain (CNAE)
The CNAE is a hierarchical system where codes are organised into sections and subcategories. Examples include:
| CNAE Code | Description |
|---|---|
0113 |
Growing of vegetables, roots and tubers |
1419 |
Manufacture of other wearing apparel and accessories |
4724 |
Retail sale of bread and bakery products |
6201 |
Computer programming activities |
7022 |
Other business and management consultancy activities |
France (NAF)
The NAF system is based on the European NACE classification with country-specific adaptations. Examples include:
| NAF Code | Description |
|---|---|
10.71A |
Manufacture of bread and fresh bakery products |
25.62A |
Machining |
47.11D |
Supermarkets |
62.01Z |
Computer programming |
70.22Z |
Business and other management consultancy |
Italy (ATECO)
The ATECO classification is the official system in Italy, used in commercial registries and tax reporting. Examples include:
| ATECO Code | Description |
|---|---|
10.71.10 |
Manufacture of fresh bread and bakery products |
14.19.00 |
Manufacture of other wearing apparel and accessories |
47.11.10 |
Hypermarkets |
62.01.00 |
Software production not connected with publishing |
70.22.09 |
Other business consultancy and corporate planning |
Mexico (SCIAN)
The SCIAN (Sistema de Clasificación Industrial de América del Norte) is the standard used in Mexico, aligned with the US and Canada. Examples include:
| SCIAN Code | Description |
|---|---|
311812 |
Traditional breadmaking |
315229 |
Manufacture of other outerwear |
445110 |
Supermarkets and self-service stores |
541511 |
Software development |
541611 |
Management consultancy |
Conclusion
The IndustryCode is a unique identifier that classifies each company within its industrial sector. While formats vary by country, the purpose remains the same: to structure economic information in a standardised way.