When registering a company in Singapore, every business is required to declare its Singapore Standard Industrial Classification (SSIC) code.
Many business owners view the SSIC as a simple registration requirement. In reality, it plays an important role in regulatory compliance, banking, licensing, taxation, and government support programmes.
As Singapore’s economy continues to evolve, the SSIC framework is periodically updated to better reflect emerging industries and modern business activities.
This guide explains what an SSIC Code is, why it matters, and what businesses should keep in mind.
Free SSIC Code PDF Reference Guide
To help businesses identify and verify their business classifications more efficiently, TASSURE GROUP has prepared a comprehensive SSIC Code PDF Reference Guide.
List of Business Activity SSIC
What is an SSIC Code?
The Singapore Standard Industrial Classification (SSIC) is Singapore’s official system for classifying business activities.
Every entity registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) must declare at least one SSIC Code that represents its principal business activity. Companies with multiple activities may also register additional classifications where appropriate.
The SSIC provides a standardised way for government agencies and other organisations to identify the nature of a company’s business.
Why is the SSIC Important?
Although it appears to be just a business classification code, the SSIC can influence several aspects of business operations.
Government Grants
Many government assistance programmes use the SSIC to determine whether a business falls within an eligible industry sector.
Banking and Compliance
Banks often review a company’s SSIC during Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) assessments.
An inaccurate or outdated classification may result in additional enquiries during the account opening process.
Industry Licensing
Certain industries require regulatory approvals or operating licences.
Having an accurate SSIC helps ensure that your company is classified correctly for licensing purposes.
Tax and Corporate Administration
Government agencies may also reference the SSIC for tax administration, statistical reporting, and regulatory analysis.
Maintaining accurate business information supports smoother compliance processes.
Recent SSIC Updates
To reflect changes in Singapore’s economy, the SSIC framework has been expanded and refined across multiple sectors.
New Classifications for Emerging Industries
Recent revisions include additional categories covering:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Cybersecurity
- Web3 and Blockchain
- Data Analytics and Data Science
- ESG and Sustainability Services
- Carbon Management
- Creator Economy
- E-commerce and Cross-border Trade
These additions provide greater accuracy for modern businesses.
More Detailed Traditional Industry Categories
Traditional sectors have also been reorganised and refined, including:
- Manufacturing
- Agriculture
- Professional Services
- Information Technology
- Media and Content Creation
The revised framework better reflects today’s business environment.
What Should Businesses Do?
Review Your Existing SSIC
Businesses should periodically review whether their registered SSIC accurately reflects their current operations.
Update Business Activities Promptly
If your company’s principal business activities change, the corresponding corporate information should be updated accordingly.
Keep Business Information Consistent
Ensure that your website, business profile, invoices, proposals, banking documents, and regulatory filings describe your business consistently.
This helps reduce compliance issues and unnecessary delays during reviews.
Review Your Classification Regularly
As businesses grow and diversify, their original SSIC may no longer represent their operations.
Regular reviews help ensure your corporate records remain accurate.
References
- Singapore Department of Statistics. (April 15, 2025). Singapore Standard Industrial Classification 2025. https://www.singstat.gov.sg/standard-classifications/national-classifications/singapore-standard-industrial-classification-ssic
- Singapore Department of Statistics. (2025). Singapore Standard Industrial Classification 2025. https://assets.app.optical.gov.sg/singstat/production/published/assets/603e56e4-d7b3-416e-91fa-24ec2e6ab54f.pdf
- Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority. (March 25, 2026). Finding the Right SSIC Code for Your Business. https://www.acra.gov.sg/register/business/choosing-reserving-a-business-name/finding-the-right-ssic-code/
- Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority. (n.d.). Reserving a Business Name via Bizfile. https://www.acra.gov.sg/register/business/choosing-reserving-a-business-name/reserving-bizfile/
- Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority. (June 23, 2026). Updating Company Information, Officers and Shareholders. https://www.acra.gov.sg/manage/companies/legal-requirements-common-offences/maintaining-local-companys-information-registers/updating-company-information-officers-shareholders/
- Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority. (n.d.). Referral Authorities. https://www.acra.gov.sg/register/business/choosing-reserving-a-business-name/referral-authorities/
