How are NAICS codes used?

NAICS stands for the North American Industry Classification System, and it is the standard used by federal statistical agencies, including the U.S. Census Bureau, to classify businesses. The goal of the system’s creation was to produce common industry definitions throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The statistical purposes of the collection of data using NAICS codes is to collect data, tabulate, present and provide analysis of business and industry activity to better understand the U.S. economy. Businesses can determine their particular NAICS business codes on the U.S. Census Bureau’s website by clicking on the NAICS Search box found on the NAICS page.