What's the NAICS and SIC code for a catering business?
For a catering business, use NAICS 722320 (Caterers) in the US and SIC 56210 (Event catering activities) in the UK.
United States, NAICS 2022
722320 Caterers
Caterers: single event-based food services.
SBA small business limit: $9 million average annual receipts.
United Kingdom, SIC 2007
56210 Event catering activities
Event catering activities, including wedding catering.
Use this code when you register with Companies House or file your confirmation statement.
When a different code fits better
These are the codes most often confused with the main answer. Pick by the activity that earns most of your revenue.
| Code | Title | Use it if |
|---|---|---|
| NAICS 722310 | Food Service Contractors | you run a contract cafeteria for an office, school or hospital |
| NAICS 722330 | Mobile Food Services | you mainly sell from a food truck |
| SIC 56290 | Other food services | you provide contract catering such as staff canteens |
Good to know
Ongoing contract food service is a different code from event catering.
You can list more than one code. Companies House accepts up to four SIC codes, and SAM.gov lets you add several NAICS codes, with one marked as primary.
What the code affects
- SBA programs and federal contracts: your NAICS code sets the size limit you must stay under to count as small. Check your size.
- SAM.gov registration: contracting officers search by NAICS, so list every code you can deliver work under.
- Companies House: your SIC code appears on the public register and in your confirmation statement.
Related business types
Codes checked against the US Census 2022 NAICS index and the ONS UK SIC 2007 index. Information only; confirm with the agency you file with.