Codes that decide eligibility
Business Activities & Classification in the United States
A US activity code gives you no permission. It can decide whether you can bid for government work.
GCC business setup specialists
Where the code genuinely bites
Classification in the United States is not a licensing mechanism — you are not restricted to your code and it authorises nothing. Where it matters is eligibility: government contracting opportunities are set aside by code, small business size standards are defined by code, and certain programmes and certifications are coded too. A business that classifies itself carelessly can be shut out of work it would otherwise qualify for.
- Codes chosen with contracting eligibility in mind
- Size standards checked where set-asides matter
- Real permissions identified separately from codes
20+
Mainland, free zone and offshore jurisdictions we file in — so the recommendation is based on your activity, not on which authority we happen to be registered with.
7,000+
Companies successfully established.
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What codes affect
Classification and where permission comes from
Two separate things.
| Question | Position |
|---|---|
| Do codes authorise activity? | No. |
| Am I restricted to them? | No. |
| Do they affect government contracting? | Yes, opportunities are set aside by code. |
| Do they define small business status? | Yes, size standards are set by code. |
| Where does permission come from? | State and local licensing, and sector regulators. |
| Can they be changed? | Yes, and they should be reviewed as you grow. |
The classification system, size standards and contracting set-asides are maintained by federal agencies and revised. Licensing permissions are entirely separate.
How it works
Classifying the business usefully
Think about eligibility, not description.
01
Describe the business
What you actually do and earn revenue from, in enough detail to classify it accurately.
02
Consider eligibility
Whether government contracting or programme eligibility matters to you, because that is where the code choice has consequences.
03
Register and revisit
Codes recorded where required and reviewed as the business changes or as size standards become relevant.
- What the business actually does
- Revenue by activity
- Whether government contracting is intended
- Whether federal, state or local contracting
- Whether you would rely on small business status
- Employee headcount and revenue
- Whether the occupation is professionally licensed
- Whether a federal sector licence applies
- Whether you sell to consumers or businesses
- States where you will operate
- Planned activities over two years
- Existing codes if already registered
Scope
What is included, and what is not
Stated plainly, so nothing is added once the engagement starts.
Included in the service fee
- Activity description and code selection
- Codes chosen with contracting eligibility in mind
- Size standard check where relevant
- Identification of genuinely licensed activities
- Pointer to the correct licensing authority
- Codes recorded in registrations where required
- Review as the business changes
- Guidance on contracting registrations
Not included, quoted separately
- Government registration portal fees where applicable
- Sector licensing, quoted separately
- Professional licensing credentials
- Government contracting bid preparation
- Certification programme applications
- US tax advice
- Market research
- Bank onboarding decisions
Verify independently
Relevant US authorities
We file directly with these bodies on your behalf.
Internal Revenue ServiceSecretary of State of the state of formationState departments of revenueUnited States Patent and Trademark OfficeCounty recorder and clerk officesFinancial institutions and their compliance functions
Questions
US classification — FAQs
Does my activity code restrict what I can do?
No. It authorises nothing and restricts nothing, which surprises people coming from licensing jurisdictions.
Then why choose it carefully?
Because government contracting opportunities and small business size standards are defined by code. A careless choice can exclude you from work you would qualify for.
What are size standards?
Thresholds by code defining whether a business counts as small for programme and set-aside purposes. They are expressed differently across codes.
Where do real permissions come from?
State and local licensing and sector regulators. Classification and licensing are unrelated here.
Can I have more than one code?
Yes, and a primary code with secondaries is common. It is worth reviewing as your revenue mix shifts.
Go deeper
More United States services
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