2022 NAICS national industry in sector 54 Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
541860 Direct Mail Advertising
NAICS 541860 is the US industry code for direct mail advertising. It covers establishments primarily engaged in (1) creating and designing advertising campaigns for the purpose of distributing advertising materials (e.g., coupons, flyers, samples) or specialties (e.g., keychains, magnets, pens with customized messages imprinted) by mail or other direct distribution and/or (2) preparing such advertising materials or specialties for mailing or other direct distribution.
- Code
- 541860 (2022 NAICS)
- Title
- Direct Mail Advertising
- Part of
- Advertising, Public Relations, and Related Services
- SBA small business limit
- Average annual receipts up to $22 million
- Closest UK SIC
- 73110, 73120 (details)
Changes coming. The NAICS 2027 revision applies to data from 1 January 2027, and SBA proposed new size standards on 20 August 2026. The values on this page are the ones in force today; we update this page when the official files change.
Official definition
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in (1) creating and designing advertising campaigns for the purpose of distributing advertising materials (e.g., coupons, flyers, samples) or specialties (e.g., keychains, magnets, pens with customized messages imprinted) by mail or other direct distribution and/or (2) preparing such advertising materials or specialties for mailing or other direct distribution. These establishments may also compile, maintain, sell, and rent mailing lists.
When to use a different code
Census classifies these close-sounding activities somewhere else. Businesses mainly engaged in:
- The direct distribution or delivery (e.g., door-to-door, windshield placement) of advertisements or samples are classified in Industry 541870, Advertising Material Distribution Services.
- Distributing advertising specialties for clients who wish to use such materials for promotional purposes are classified in Industry 541890, Other Services Related to Advertising.
- Creating advertising campaigns and placing such advertising in media are classified in Industry 541810, Advertising Agencies.
- Compiling and selling mailing lists without providing direct mail advertising services are classified in Industry 513140, Directory and Mailing List Publishers.
Activities listed under 541860
The Census index assigns these 3 activities to this code. If your business matches one, this is your code.
- Advertising material preparation services for mailing or other direct distribution
- Direct mail advertising services
- Direct mail or other direct distribution advertising campaign services
SBA size standard for 541860
To count as a small business for SBA loans and federal contracts under NAICS 541860, your business (including affiliates) must not exceed $22 million in average annual receipts. Check your business.
Source: SBA table of size standards, effective March 17, 2023.
Closest UK SIC 2007 codes
There is no official one-to-one link between NAICS and UK SIC. These codes share the same international class (ISIC Rev. 4: 7310), so treat them as a starting point and check the definition.
Built from Census concordances 2022→2017 NAICS and 2017 NAICS→ISIC Rev. 4.
Similar codes to compare
Data last changed November 14, 2026. How this page is built.