Many businesses have multiple business activities. A company may manufacture products, sell them online, provide installation services and offer after-sales support. A technology business may develop software, provide IT consulting and also offer training. A food business may manufacture packaged food and sell it through its own retail outlet.
When one business carries out several activities, an important question comes up: Which NIC code should you choose for your business?
Businesses with multiple business activities should choose multiple NIC codes. The important part is choosing NIC codes that correctly describe what your business actually does. Let’s understand which NIC code you should choose for your business and how to select NIC code.
What Is an NIC Code?
NIC stands for National Industrial Classification. It is a system used by the Government of India to classify businesses and economic activities. The classification helps identify the type of activity carried out by an enterprise.
For example:
- business manufacturing garments comes under a manufacturing activity.
- software development company comes under computer programming-related activities.
- restaurant comes under food and beverage service activities.
- retail shop comes under retail trade.
- transport company comes under transport activities.
NIC-2008 is the National Industrial Classification system issued by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). MoSPI provides an official NIC-2008 Code Finder for checking the appropriate activity code.
Can One Business Have Multiple NIC Codes?
Yes. This is especially important for businesses that provide more than one product or service. The Udyam Registration portal clearly says that one enterprise can specify or add any number of activities, including manufacturing and services, in one Udyam Registration.
For example, suppose ABC Enterprises:
- manufactures wooden furniture;
- sells furniture through its own shop;
- sells furniture online; and
- provides installation services.
The business has multiple activities. It can identify the relevant NIC codes for these activities instead of trying to force everything into one broad code. Important thing is to make sure each selected code matches a genuine activity of the enterprise.
What Is the Main NIC Code?
When a business has several activities, it is useful to identify its main or principal activity.
For example, a company mainly manufactures packaged food but also sells those products through its own retail outlet. Manufacturing may be the core activity, and retail is an additional activity. The exact classification should always be checked against the official NIC description.
Common NIC Codes for Multiple Business Activities
| Business Activity | NIC Code | Activity Description |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacture of wooden furniture | 31001 | Manufacture of furniture made of wood |
| Garment manufacturing | 14101 | Manufacture of all types of textile garments and clothing accessories |
| Software and computer services | 62099 | Other information technology and computer service activities n.e.c. |
| Travel agency | 79110 | Travel agency activities |
| Tour operator | 79120 | Tour operator activities |
| Motorised road freight transport | 49231 | Motorised road freight transport |
| Management consultancy | 70200 | Management consultancy activities |
| Architectural and engineering services | 71100 | Architectural and engineering activities and related technical consultancy |
| Other professional, scientific and technical services | 74909 | Other professional, scientific and technical activities n.e.c. |
| Restaurants without bars | 56101 | Restaurants without bars |
| Cafeteria and fast-food services | 56102 | Cafeterias, fast-food restaurants and other food preparation in market stalls |
| Food service contractors | 56291 | Activities of food service contractors |
| Hairdressing and beauty services | 96020 | Hairdressing and other beauty treatment |
| Household maintenance services | 96098 | General household maintenance activities |
Important: The correct code depends on the exact nature of the activity. Do not select a code only because the name sounds similar to your business. Always check the detailed description in the official NIC classification.
How to Choose the Correct NIC Code for Multiple Activities
1. Make a List of All Activities
Start by writing down everything your business does. For example:
- Manufacturing
- Wholesale
- Retail
- Installation
- Repair
- Consulting
Do not search for codes yet. First, understand the business.
2. Identify the Main Activity
What is the core activity of the business? Consider the activity that represents the main business operation.
3. Identify Additional Activities
Now look at the other genuine activities. If your business manufactures products and also provides installation services, both activities should be considered.
4. Search the NIC codes in list
Use the Indiacorporates NIC Code Finder.
5. Read the Full Description
Do not select a code simply because the first few words seem correct. Read the detailed description and check whether it actually covers your activity.
6. Verify Before Submission
Before submitting Udyam Registration or another official form, compare the selected code with the current official classification and the purpose of the registration.
Do You Need a Separate Udyam Registration for Every NIC Code?
No. This is one of the most important points for businesses with multiple activities. The official Udyam portal states, One enterprise should not file more than one Udyam Registration. At the same time, multiple activities can be specified or added in one registration. This includes manufacturing, services, or both.
So, if your business has five genuine activities, that does not automatically mean you need five Udyam registrations.
Final thoughts
Choosing the right NIC code becomes easier when you first understand what your business actually does. If your business carries out more than one activity, you can identify the relevant NIC codes for each genuine activity instead of trying to fit everything into one code.
The key is to choose codes that accurately match your actual business activities. Whether you manufacture products, provide services, trade goods, or carry out a combination of activities, always check the detailed NIC description before selecting a code.
If you are confused about which NIC code to choose, you can take professional guidance to make the right choice. IndiaCorporates Consultation can help you understand the applicable NIC codes and select the one that best matches your business activities.
understand your business activities first, choose the relevant NIC codes, and keep your registration details accurate and up to date.
No comments yet