SSIC Code Singapore: A Complete Guide

In this article

• 1. What is an SSIC Code in Singapore?
• 2. How Does an SSIC Code Work?
• 3. Why is SSIC Code Important?
• 4. How Do You Find the Right SSIC Code?
• 5. What Are Some Common SSIC Codes in Singapore?
• 6. Can A Business Have More Than One SSIC Code?
• 7. How Can You Check Your Company’s SSIC Code?
• 8. Can You Change Your SSIC Code?
• 9. What Should You Do If Two SSIC Codes Seem Suitable?
• 10. SSIC Code Singapore FAQs

When you register a business in Singapore, you will be asked to choose an SSIC code. It may look like just another number to fill in, but it simply tells ACRA what kind of business you run. For example, a software company, café, advertising agency and clothing store will each have a different SSIC code.

Choosing the right one is important because your SSIC code becomes part of your registered business information and may also be used to determine whether your business needs certain licences or approvals.

So, how do you find the right SSIC code? Here’s what you need to know.

What is an SSIC Code in Singapore?

SSIC stands for Singapore Standard Industrial Classification. t is a system used in Singapore to group businesses based on what they do. Every SSIC code has five digits and represents a particular type of business activity. When registering a company with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA), businesses need to select the code that best describes their principal activity.

The SSIC is maintained by the Singapore Department of Statistics (DOS) and updated periodically as industries and business models evolve.

How Does an SSIC Code Work?

An SSIC code follows a hierarchical structure. Each additional digit narrows the classification until it reaches the specific business activity.

You may also notice “n.e.c.” in some SSIC descriptions. It means “not elsewhere classified” and is generally used when an activity does not fall under a more specific classification.

Why is SSIC Code Important?

The SSIC code gives government agencies a standard way to understand the nature of a company’s activities. It can therefore have practical implications beyond registration. Some of the main uses include:

• Company registration: ACRA uses the code to record the company’s principal business activity.
• Licensing: Certain activities may require additional licences or approvals.
• Regulatory referrals: Businesses operating in regulated sectors may be referred to the relevant authority.
• Government schemes: Some grants and support programmes may use industry classifications as part of their eligibility criteria.
• Business profiling: SSIC information forms part of the company’s registered business profile.
• Statistical reporting: Government agencies use SSIC classifications to analyse Singapore’s industries and economy.

How Do You Find the Right SSIC Code?

Start with your main product or service. Think about how you would explain your business to someone in one sentence. Then take the main activity from that description and use it to search for an SSIC code.

For example:
“We build accounting software for small businesses.”

Your main activity is software development, so you would look for a software development SSIC code.

Or: “We help companies advertise their products online.”

Your main activity may fall under advertising activities. A simple process is:

1. Identify what your business mainly does.
2. Search for that activity using simple words.
3. Look at the closest matching SSIC codes.
4. Read their descriptions and choose the best match.
5. Check whether the activity requires any additional licence or approval.

Try not to search using complicated industry terms or your brand’s marketing language. Searching for “graphic design” or “IT consultancy”, for example, will usually be more useful than a highly specific description of your business model. Avoid choosing a broad n.e.c. category immediately if a more specific classification describes your activity.

What Are Some Common SSIC Codes in Singapore?

There are many SSIC classifications, so the right code depends entirely on the nature of the business. Below are examples across commonly registered industries under the SSIC 2025 framework.

These are only examples. Businesses should check the latest official SSIC classification before selecting a code rather than choosing one solely because it appears commonly used.

Can A Business Have More Than One SSIC Code?

Yes, a company may have a principal business activity and a secondary business activity where applicable. The principal activity should represent the company’s main economic activity, while the secondary activity should represent another substantial part of the business.

For example, a company might primarily develop software while also providing IT consultancy. The appropriate classifications could differ for each activity. A secondary activity should not be added simply to cover every small or incidental service the business provides.

How Can You Check Your Company’s SSIC Code?

Your company’s registered SSIC information can be checked through its business information and records with ACRA/Bizfile.

Look for the company’s principal activities, where the registered business activity and corresponding SSIC classification should appear. Existing companies should review this information periodically, especially after:

• changing their main products or services;
• entering a different industry;
• substantially changing their revenue-generating activity; or
• expanding into a new primary line of business.

This is particularly relevant following the transition from SSIC 2020 to SSIC 2025.

Can You Change Your SSIC Code?

Yes, an SSIC code can be updated when the nature of the company’s business changes.

For example, a company that originally registered primarily for management consultancy but later shifts its main operations to software development may need to update its principal activity accordingly. The registered activity should continue to reflect what the company actually does rather than its original business model.

What Mistakes Should You Avoid When Choosing an SSIC Code?

Many SSIC selection problems come from choosing a code too quickly. Common mistakes include:

• Choosing the broadest available code: A more specific classification may exist.
• Using an “n.e.c.” code unnecessarily: Check the full list before falling back on a general category.
• Selecting a future activity: Choose based on current operations, not what the company hopes to do later.
• Copying another company’s code: Similar businesses can have different principal activities.
• Ignoring licensing implications: Some classifications relate to regulated activities.
• Leaving an outdated code unchanged: Review your classification when the business changes.
• Using marketing terminology when searching: Search by the actual service or economic activity instead.

What Should You Do If Two SSIC Codes Seem Suitable?

When two codes appear to fit, compare the detailed descriptions and focus on the economic substance of the activity.

Ask a simple question:
What does the company primarily earn its revenue or create value from?

For example, a technology company may develop its own software, provide IT consultancy or operate an online marketplace. Although all three businesses could describe themselves as “tech companies”, their appropriate SSIC codes can be different.

If the distinction affects licensing or regulatory requirements, it is especially important to verify the classification before registering.

SSIC Code Singapore FAQs