How to Change SIC Code on Companies House

Every UK company must provide at least one SIC code when registering with Companies House. SIC stands for Standard Industrial Classification, and it identifies the nature of your business activity. Over time, your business may expand, shift focus, or completely change direction. When that happens, it is important to update your SIC code so Companies House has an accurate record of what your company does.

Updating your SIC code might seem like a small detail, but it plays a bigger role in your company’s profile than most directors realise. An outdated or incorrect code can lead to confusion with HMRC, insurers, or banks, and may affect your eligibility for certain funding or tenders. Our limited company accountants provide full support with confirmation statements, SIC code selection, and all other Companies House filings. We will help you choose the most appropriate code for your primary business activity and ensure your company records remain accurate, compliant, and aligned with your commercial goals.

In this article, we explain how to change your SIC code, when to do it, and why keeping it up to date matters.

What Is a SIC Code?

A SIC code is a five-digit number that classifies your company’s principal business activity. For example:

• 62020 = Information technology consultancy

• 56302 = Public houses and bars

• 47910 = Retail sale via mail order or internet

You can choose more than one code if your company operates in multiple sectors, but you must select at least one when you form your company.

When Should You Change Your SIC Code?

You should update your SIC code if:

• Your business activity has changed

• You now operate in a different industry

• You have added a new service or product line that becomes a core part of your operations

• Your current SIC code was selected in error when the company was set up

For example, if you originally registered as a graphic design agency but now mainly develop software, your SIC code should be changed to reflect that new focus.

How to Change SIC Code on Companies House

You cannot update your SIC code using a separate form. Instead, you change it by submitting your next Confirmation Statement. This is a required filing for all UK companies and is usually due once every 12 months.

To update your SIC code:

1. Log in to Companies House WebFiling

2. Select your company and choose File a Confirmation Statement

3. Choose the option to update your SIC code

4. Search for and select the correct code(s)

5. Submit the statement and pay the £13 filing fee

You can file an early Confirmation Statement at any time if you want to update your SIC code before your annual filing is due.

How to Choose the Right SIC Code

You can find the full list of valid codes on the official Companies House SIC code list. Pick the code that best reflects your company’s main area of activity. If your business has more than one distinct operation, you can select multiple codes. Just make sure your primary activity is listed first.

It is important to be accurate. SIC codes are used not only by Companies House, but also by HMRC, insurers, banks, and market analysts when categorising your company.

What Happens If You Do Not Update Your SIC Code?

If your company’s SIC code is no longer accurate, it can cause problems such as:

• Misrepresentation in public records

• Delays when applying for finance, grants or tenders

• Confusion with HMRC if your activity does not match your tax classification

• Mismatched sector reporting in industry databases or directories

While there is no direct penalty for having the wrong SIC code, it is in your interest to keep it up to date.

Final Thoughts

Updating your SIC code is a simple process but an important one. By including the correct codes in your Confirmation Statement, you ensure that Companies House and other organisations have an accurate understanding of what your business does. This improves your credibility and ensures smooth interactions with banks, tax authorities and potential clients.

If you are unsure which SIC code best fits your business, or want help filing your Confirmation Statement correctly, professional support can save you time and prevent errors. If you are running a small company or working as a sole director, it is easy to overlook administrative tasks like SIC code updates—especially when you are focused on day-to-day operations. That is where our small company accountant service comes in. We provide affordable, practical help with confirmation statements, annual filings, and all the behind-the-scenes compliance that keeps your company in good standing. Whether your business model has evolved or you simply selected the wrong code at incorporation, we will guide you through the update process with zero hassle.

Unsure what to file, when to file it or how to stay compliant? Our Companies House Help hub walks you through it all.

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