How to find a company's NIC code 2008 (industrial activity)

How to find a company's NIC code 2008 (industrial activity) . When starting a new business or modifying the objects of an existing company or LLP, selecting the correct NIC Code (National Industrial Classification Code 2008) is a crucial step. Whether you’re filing SPICe+ Part A, submitting an LLP-RUN form, or changing the company object clause of MOA, this code determines how your business is classified for regulatory and compliance purposes.
What is NIC Code?
The NIC Code 2008 is a 5-digit numeric classification system introduced by the Government of India to categorize different business activities. It’s primarily used by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), Registrar of Companies (ROC), and other government departments to identify the nature of a business and facilitate statutory registrations.
Why is NIC Code So Important?
The NIC Code is not just a technical formality it plays a major role in:

Defining your business activity during company registration

Assisting government agencies in assigning sector-based regulatory oversight

Determining eligibility for various benefits under MSME (Udyam) or GST Registration

Avoiding mismatches in object clauses and statutory filings with MCA

A wrong NIC code can lead to processing delays, rejection of forms, or regulatory scrutiny.
When is NIC Code Required?
The NIC Code is mandatory in the following scenarios:

At the time of Company Registration using SPICe+ Part A

While registering an LLP via LLP-RUN

During change of company name with change in objects

While filing Annual Returns (MGT-7/7A) with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA)

For obtaining Udyam/MSME Registration, GST Registration, and Import-Export Code (IEC)

How to find the nic code 2008 industrial activity for a company?

Identify Your Primary Business Activity, what your company or LLP will primarily do (manufacturing, trading, consultancy, tech services, etc.)

Refer to the Official NIC Code 2008 List  where ach code is a 5-digit number:

The first 2 digits represent the sector

The last 3 digits represent the specific activity

Match the Code with the MOA/LLP Agreement, your selected NIC Code aligns with the Object Clause of the Memorandum of Association (MOA) or LLP Agreement.

Choose Closely Related Code for Ancillary Activities, If your business has multiple activities, you may choose a primary NIC code and one or more secondary NIC codes.

For example:

62011: Writing, modifying, testing of computer programs to meet the needs of a particular client

47110: Retail sale in non-specialized stores with food, beverages or tobacco predominating

You can download or refer to the NIC Code 2008 List attached herewith to choose the most appropriate code that matches your business activity  NIC Code 2008.
Q1. Can I change my NIC code later?
Ans. Yes, through filing relevant MCA forms and updating your MOA/AOA (for companies) through MGT-14 Filing or LLP Agreement (for LLPs) through form 3 filing, but it requires legal procedures and ROC approval.
Q2. Can one company have multiple NIC codes?
Ans. Yes, especially if the company has diversified operations. You must declare one as primary and others as secondary, maximum 3 NIC we can choose.
Q3. What if my business activity doesn't fit neatly into any NIC Code?
Ans. Choose the closest description that covers your scope. Add clarifications in the object clause and consult a professional.
Hence, choosing the right NIC Code is more than a one-time step it's a foundation for smooth business operation and regulatory compliance. It affects your legal filings, tax registrations, benefits eligibility, and government approvals. When in doubt, always consult a professional at Compliance Calendar LLP to ensure you're selecting the most appropriate and accurate NIC code.
If you’re still unsure about which NIC Code applies to your business, reach out to our experts at Compliance Calendar LLP. We can help you identify the correct NIC Code based on your proposed business model and handle your Company/LLP Registration, MSME Registration, GST Filings, and more.
Know more about how NIC code is different from business code activity ?

When starting a new business or modifying the objects of an existing company or LLP, selecting the correct NIC Code (National Industrial Classification Code 2008) is a crucial step. Whether you’re filing SPICe+ Part A, submitting an LLP-RUN form, or changing the company object clause of MOA, this code determines how your business is classified for regulatory and compliance purposes.

What is NIC Code?

The NIC Code 2008 is a 5-digit numeric classification system introduced by the Government of India to categorize different business activities. It’s primarily used by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), Registrar of Companies (ROC), and other government departments to identify the nature of a business and facilitate statutory registrations.

Why is NIC Code So Important?

The NIC Code is not just a technical formality it plays a major role in:

Defining your business activity during company registration
Assisting government agencies in assigning sector-based regulatory oversight
Determining eligibility for various benefits under MSME (Udyam) or GST Registration
Avoiding mismatches in object clauses and statutory filings with MCA

A wrong NIC code can lead to processing delays, rejection of forms, or regulatory scrutiny.

When is NIC Code Required?

The NIC Code is mandatory in the following scenarios:

At the time of Company Registration using SPICe+ Part A
While registering an LLP via LLP-RUN
During change of company name with change in objects
While filing Annual Returns (MGT-7/7A) with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA)
For obtaining Udyam/MSME Registration, GST Registration, and Import-Export Code (IEC)

How to find the nic code 2008 industrial activity for a company?

Identify Your Primary Business Activity, what your company or LLP will primarily do (manufacturing, trading, consultancy, tech services, etc.)
Refer to the Official NIC Code 2008 List where ach code is a 5-digit number:

The first 2 digits represent the sector
The last 3 digits represent the specific activity

Match the Code with the MOA/LLP Agreement, your selected NIC Code aligns with the Object Clause of the Memorandum of Association (MOA) or LLP Agreement.
Choose Closely Related Code for Ancillary Activities, If your business has multiple activities, you may choose a primary NIC code and one or more secondary NIC codes.

For example:

62011: Writing, modifying, testing of computer programs to meet the needs of a particular client
47110: Retail sale in non-specialized stores with food, beverages or tobacco predominating

You can download or refer to the NIC Code 2008 List attached herewith to choose the most appropriate code that matches your business activity NIC Code 2008.

Q1. Can I change my NIC code later?

Ans. Yes, through filing relevant MCA forms and updating your MOA/AOA (for companies) through MGT-14 Filing or LLP Agreement (for LLPs) through form 3 filing, but it requires legal procedures and ROC approval.

Q2. Can one company have multiple NIC codes?

Ans. Yes, especially if the company has diversified operations. You must declare one as primary and others as secondary, maximum 3 NIC we can choose.

Q3. What if my business activity doesn't fit neatly into any NIC Code?

Ans. Choose the closest description that covers your scope. Add clarifications in the object clause and consult a professional.

Hence, choosing the right NIC Code is more than a one-time step it's a foundation for smooth business operation and regulatory compliance. It affects your legal filings, tax registrations, benefits eligibility, and government approvals. When in doubt, always consult a professional at Compliance Calendar LLP to ensure you're selecting the most appropriate and accurate NIC code.

If you’re still unsure about which NIC Code applies to your business, reach out to our experts at Compliance Calendar LLP. We can help you identify the correct NIC Code based on your proposed business model and handle your Company/LLP Registration, MSME Registration, GST Filings, and more.

Know more about how NIC code is different from business code activity ?