Updated on 21 September 2026

Knowing about Canadian industry codes and their role in businesses is essential if you are a new entrepreneur. NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) was introduced in 1997 to replace the original SIC (Standard Industrial Classification) system for classifying economic activity.

NAICS codes are used to classify businesses according to their main economic activity. They are also required for certain Canadian tax reporting purposes. For example, the CRA requires an industry code when completing forms such as T2125 for business or professional activities, T2121 for fishing activities, and T2042 for farming activities. If your business has more than one activity, you should use the code that most closely describes your main business activity.

Business owners should know the industry code that best represents their operations, whether they operate a farm, professional practice, or other type of business. A NAICS code is a classification code rather than a unique identifier assigned exclusively to one company.

Entrepreneurs may not understand how important this classification is for their business. Thankfully, finding your NAICS code is simple to do online through Statistics Canada or with the help of a professional tax advisor.

NAICS Code Canada: Everything You Need To Know as a Business Owner

The NAICS code for Canada is broken down into several parts. The NAICS hierarchy uses codes ranging from 2 to 6 digits, depending on the level of classification. A 2-digit code identifies the sector, a 3-digit code identifies the subsector, a 4-digit code identifies the industry group, a 5-digit code identifies the industry, and a 6-digit code identifies the Canadian industry.

As of 2026, the current classification is NAICS Canada 2022 Version 1.0. It consists of 20 sectors and provides increasingly detailed classifications at each level of the hierarchy.

This table outlines the top level of the NAICS industry code lookup in Canada.

These are the 20 sectors currently included in NAICS Canada 2022 Version 1.0.

Each top-level code breaks down into more detailed subcategories within the NAICS hierarchy. This way, businesses can identify the industry classification that most accurately reflects their activities. If you’re wondering how to find a NAICS code, a complete listing is available on the Statistics Canada website.

Simple NAICS Code Canada Lookup Tools and Services Online

You aren't alone if you’ve ever asked, “How do I find my NAICS code?” Many new entrepreneurs may not know how to find their industry classification. Thankfully, business owners can look it up online or seek the expertise of a professional tax consultant.

The NAICS code search in Canada is available on the Statistics Canada website. Entrepreneurs can search for an industry or go through the classification hierarchy to identify the code that most closely corresponds to their main business activity.

As companies increasingly operate in digital industries, NAICS is periodically revised to reflect changes in the economy. NAICS Canada 2022 Version 1.0 included significant revisions related to the digital economy. In general, platform-based activities and activities delivered over the Internet are classified in the same groupings as their non-digital counterparts. For example, food delivery through an intermediary platform is included within the local messenger and delivery industry.

NAICS Canada is generally revised on a five-year cycle to reflect changes in the Canadian economy. The next classification, NAICS Canada 2027 Version 1.0, is scheduled for release in January 2027.

Why Industry Classification Codes In Canada Matter for Small Businesses

The NAICS Canada industry codes have several purposes for businesses. These multi-digit classification codes help identify a business’s main economic activity and are used for statistical, tax reporting, administrative, and other purposes.

It’s worth exploring the NAICS code Canada lookup feature for your business. Using the appropriate industry classification code can help with:

• Accurately identifying your main business activity on applicable tax forms;
• Providing industry information when applying for certain government grants or incentive programs;
• Providing industry classification information requested by lenders or financing programs;
• Identifying or applying for certain government programs and business opportunities.

For example, the CRA requires businesses completing certain forms, including T2125, T2121, and T2042, to provide an industry code corresponding to their main business activity. Eligibility for grants, tax credits, financing, or government programs, however, depends on each program's specific requirements rather than on the NAICS code alone.

Determining the appropriate industry code is simple with the NAICS code search in Canada. However, a professional tax consultant can help narrow it down if you're conducting business in a new industry or are unsure which code most accurately reflects your main business activity.

NAICS Statistics Canada: Update, Renewal, and Change Information

If you open a new business that uses a NAICS code, you may have questions about whether your industry classification needs to change as your company grows or its activities evolve.

1. Will My NAICS Code Stay the Same the Entire Time My Business Operates?

If your main business activity remains the same, the NAICS code that best describes your business may also remain the same. However, your appropriate code may change if your main business activity changes or if a new NAICS revision changes the classification of that activity.

NAICS Canada is periodically revised to reflect changes in the economy. Revisions can include the creation of new industries, changes to existing classifications, movement of activities within the classification structure, and updates to codes, titles, and descriptions.

2. Do I Ever Have to Update My Code?

You may need to use a different NAICS code if your main business activity changes or if a revised NAICS classification changes the code that best represents your operations.

For Canadian tax reporting, the CRA instructs businesses to use the industry code that best describes their main business activity. If your business has more than one activity, you should use the code that most closely corresponds to your main business activity.

It is therefore a good idea to review your industry classification when your business activities change or when a new NAICS version is introduced.

3. Does My NAICS Code Need to Be Renewed?

No. A NAICS code does not have an expiry date and does not require periodic renewal. However, the NAICS classification is periodically revised to ensure it continues to reflect changes in the economy.

NAICS Canada is generally revised on a five-year cycle. The current classification in 2026 is NAICS Canada 2022 Version 1.0, and the next version, NAICS Canada 2027 Version 1.0, is scheduled for release in January 2027.

4. Can I Change the NAICS Code for My Business?

Yes. If your main business activity changes, you should use the NAICS code that most accurately reflects your current operations when an industry code is required.

For tax reporting, the process may depend on your business structure and how the industry information is being reported. For example, the CRA states that self-employed individuals who change their business activity must notify their tax services office.

When completing applicable tax forms, you should also ensure that the industry code corresponds to your current main business activity. If you are unsure which code applies after a change in operations, you can consult Statistics Canada’s NAICS classification or seek assistance from a professional tax advisor.