Guide
SBI codes explained
SBI codes tell you what a company actually does. This guide explains how an SBI code is structured, where to find it, and how to segment companies by industry.
What is an SBI code?
SBI stands for Standaard Bedrijfsindeling (Standard Industrial Classification): a system that describes a company's economic activity. The Dutch Chamber of Commerce assigns one or more SBI codes on registration, based on the activities the company reports.
The classification aligns with the European NACE classification and the United Nations system (ISIC), so SBI codes are internationally comparable. Statistics Netherlands (CBS) maintains the Dutch classification.
How is an SBI code structured?
An SBI code is hierarchical, made up of 4 or 5 digits. The first digits represent a broad sector, and each following digit makes the activity more specific. For example, '62' covers IT services, while '6201' specifically means computer programming.
Because the codes are hierarchical, you can filter both coarsely and finely: on the first two digits for a whole sector, or on the full code for one specific activity.
Where do you find a company's SBI code?
A company's SBI code or codes are held in the trade register and are part of the public company profile. You find them by looking the company up by name or KVK number.
With the Companize API you get the SBI activity codes in every company profile, so you can use them straight away without looking them up separately.
Segmenting companies by industry
Because the SBI code captures what a company does, it's a powerful field to filter and segment on. Sales and marketing teams use SBI codes to define target audiences, and risk teams use them to assess industry-specific risk.
Thanks to the hierarchy, you can select a whole sector by matching the first digits, or zoom in on one specific activity.
Frequently asked questions
- How many SBI codes can a company have?
- A company can have multiple SBI codes if it carries out several activities. There's usually one main activity, supplemented by any secondary activities.
- Can an SBI code change?
- Yes. If a company changes its activities, the SBI code can be updated in the trade register. Because Companize syncs continuously, you always get the current codes.
- What is the difference between SBI and NACE?
- SBI is the Dutch classification and aligns with the European NACE classification. The first four digits largely match; SBI may add an extra digit for national detail.
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