What is an SIC code? How do I look up SIC codes?
SIC stands for Standard Industrial Classification, a system of codes devised by the U.S. government for the reporting of commodity and industry statistics. Many publishers and database vendors also use SIC codes to organize their data. SIC codes were last updated in 1987 and are being phased out in favor of the newer North American Industrial Classification System or NAICS (rhymes with “snakes”). Any number of Websites offer the ability to look up appropriate SIC or NAICS codes. Alternatively, you can reverse engineer finding relevant codes by consulting a profile of a large company that represents an industry, product or service you have in mind. Most company descriptions include multiple codes that you can in turn use to generate a list of competitors, to find related industry overviews, to access industry norms and key business ratios. Consult the various resources listed in the Companies & Industries subject guide.
