New NACEBEL codes:
impact on your business in 2025
From 1 January 2025, the NACEBEL codes will be adjusted again. This may have consequences for how your company is classified and what obligations or benefits are attached to it. In this article, we explain what NACEBEL codes are, why they are important, and how to manage your code correctly.
NACE codes are classification codes for economic activities.
The European Union has developed a system with the NACE classification that classifies businesses based on their economic activities. NACE stands for General Industrial Classification of Economic Activities within the European Community, or originally “Ngeneral nomenclature of Aeconomic activities in the Ccommunities E”European". The classification is part of a European regulation. This means that all European member states must implement the system. They are permitted to supplement the EU list with additional codes, without changing the basic list. The main objective is to improve and harmonise economic statistics and insights.
The NACEBEL code in Belgium.
The NACEBEL code is the Belgian version of the official European list. In Belgium, this list is used by the VAT administration, the National Social Security Office (RSZ), the Belgian statistics office (Statbel) and the business counters (such as the Crossroads Bank of Enterprises). A NACE code always consists of a number and a description.
Why are NACEBEL codes important?
The NACEBEL codes can have direct consequences for your company. Specifically, they can entitle your business to certain benefits, such as employing flexi-job workers and temporary contract workers, or obtaining specific support measures or subsidies related to your activity. On the other hand, some specific activities require a permit.
Will the new NACEBEL codes from 1 January 2025 have an impact on your business?
As new economic activities emerge and old ones disappear, the list is regularly updated. In 2022, the European Commission again approved an amendment – the Belgian version of this will take effect in our country from 1 January 2025. The impact on your company is in principle limited, unless errors occur during the conversion. In that case, it is important to raise the alarm in good time (for example, via your social secretariat), so that the risk of negative consequences for your company can be avoided.
How does the conversion to the new NACEBEL codes happen?
All activities with an old NACEBEL code (2008 version) are being phased over to the new list. In other words, we are moving from 7 digits to 5 digits. This has already happened for some sectors in January, others will follow at the end of March, and VAT activities will follow later this year. The conversion is fully automated! In principle, you don't need to do anything yourself, although it is important to check the conversion afterwards.
Where can you find your NACEBEL code?
You can easily find your NACEBEL code via the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (search by enterprise number via KBO Public Search). You can also find this information in the MyEnterprise application, which you can log into with your electronic identity card or via Itsme.
How many NACEBEL codes can I activate for my company?
Every business must register at least one NACEBEL code that reflects its main activity. If you carry out other activities in addition to your main activity, you can register additional codes. The number of main activities is limited to five, while there is no limit for secondary activities. Although a little freedom of movement does no harm, it's best not to be too enthusiastic at first, because the more codes there are, the more potential obligations there are! However, make sure you register the correct code straight away (and completely!), because when adding a new code, you will be charged £109 per establishment.
How can you add or change NACEBEL codes?
Is there a new wind blowing through your business? When you undertake a new activity, you must update your NACEBEL codes within one month of the date on which it commences. You can have these registered by an approved business counter. Furthermore, you must also share these changes with the VAT authorities (using form 604B) and with the NSSO.
By managing your NACEBEL codes effectively, you can avoid administrative problems and ensure your codes remain accurate and up-to-date. Therefore, check before 2025 if your codes are still correct and update them if necessary!
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