How NAICS affects data users
New industries
New sectors
New code system
Benefits
Breaks in time series

Implementation 
Census Bureau 
BEA 
BLS 
Other agencies 

Product Classification
Service Sector
Manufacturing

Questions?
Ask Dr. NAICS

International
Convergence
Working Group

Development of NAICS 
Introduction
Federal Register  
Issues & concepts 
Papers & speeches 
Concordances

New Code System in NAICS

NAICS industries are identified by a 6-digit code, in contrast to the 4-digit SIC code. The longer code accommodates the larger number of sectors and allows more flexibility in designating subsectors. It also provides for additional detail not necessarily appropriate for all three NAICS countries. The international NAICS agreement fixes only the first five digits of the code. The sixth digit, where used, identifies subdivisions of NAICS industries that accommodate user needs in individual countries. Thus, 6-digit U.S. codes may differ from counterparts in Canada or Mexico, but at the 5-digit level they are standardized.

Examples of NAICS Hierarchy

NAICS level	Example #1		Example #2
	NAICS code	Description	NAICS code	Description
Sector	31-33	Manufacturing	51	Information
Subsector	334	Computer and electronic product manufacturing	513	Broadcasting and telecommunications
Industry group	3346	Manufacturing and reproduction of magnetic and optical media	5133	Telecommunications
Industry	33461	Manufacturing and reproduction of magnetic and optical media	51332	Wireless telecommunications carriers, except satellite
U.S. Industry	334611	Reproduction of software	513321	Paging

U.S. Census Bureau, last updated  3/6/98