SBI codes

Published by:
Statistics Netherlands, CBS
Statistics Netherlands, CBS

Each company in the Netherlands receives an SBI code (Standaard Bedrijfsidentificatie) from the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce KVK. SBI codes classify companies according to their business activities. Many (government) organisations use SBI codes. You can change your SBI code at KVK if you have received an incorrect code, or if your business activities change. If you take up extra business activities, you can get up to two extra SBI codes.

What is an SBI code?

An SBI code describes the main activity of a company. All companies with similar business activities share the same SBI code. The first 4 digits of the SBI code are usually the same within Europe. The 5th digit is a further specification for Dutch business sectors. On the website of Statistics Netherlands (Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek, CBS) you can look up SBI codes in Dutch. KVK offers an English language list of all SBI codes.

Examples of SBI codes:

  • 9602 - Hairdressing and beauty treatment
  • 6201 - Writing, producing and publishing of software

How can you get an SBI code for your company?

When you register your company in the Business Register at KVK, you have to state your business activities. Your company will then receive one SBI code for your main business activity and a maximum of two SBI codes for any additional activities. If you start out with one business activity and add one or two extra business activities later, you have to report this to KVK. You will then also receive up to two extra SBI codes for the extra business activities.

Who uses your SBI information?

  • With the correct SBI code, your company can be found in the Business Register by (potential) customers searching business activity.
  • Statistics Netherlands (CBS) collects statistics based on SBI codes. A correct SBI code contributes to the quality of the statistics of your sector.
  • Government agencies use SBI codes for laws and regulations that apply to specific sectors, issuing certain permits or granting subsidies.
  • Non-governmental organisations may also ask for your SBI code. For instance, pension funds, banks or insurance companies.

Look up your SBI code

Your SBI code is listed on your KVK extract. Do you not have an extract? Or have you changed something after registration? Then request an up-to-date extract:

  • Are you a sole proprietor? You can view your data for free via My Eenmanszaak.
  • You can have your extract read out by telephone, including the SBI codes. Call 0900 123 45 67 . It costs € 0.70 per minute.
  • You can order an extract via KVK.nl.

Reporting changes to KVK

You must notify KVK if your business activities change. You will then receive a new SBI code. You may also enter your new SBI code on the change form yourself. KVK will then check whether the SBI code corresponds with your business activity.

Have you received an incorrect SBI code? Then you can contact KVK by phone to report a change, free of charge.

Statistics: common SBI codes

The graph shows the number of companies per SBI code.

Questions relating to this article?

Please contact the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce, KVK