What are NACEBEL codes and why do they matter?

Are you planning to become self-employed soon? Then it’s worth getting familiar with NACE codes. Each professional activity is linked to one or more NACE codes, which you need to choose when you start your business. Are you expanding your business to offer a new activity? In this case too, you’ll need to provide the relevant NACEBEL codes. But what exactly are these codes? And what purpose(s) do they serve?

NACE code or NACEBEL code?

The NACE list is the official classification of all commercial and non-commercial economic activities in the European Union. The acronym NACE comes from the French term ‘Nomenclature générale des Activités économiques dans les Communautés Européennes’, which translates to English as the ‘Statistical Classification of Economic Activities in the European Community’. 

Each EU Member State follows this list, while being free to add more detail if they wish. Belgium has its own NACEBEL list, the latest version of which is available (in French) on StatBel. This list is very long since it includes a specific code for all possible activities. 

How do I choose the right NACEBEL codes for my business?

When you register as self-employed, you need to indicate the activities you’ll be carrying out using the NACEBEL codes. Do you have different ‘establishment units’? If so, you need to select the appropriate codes for each of them, depending on the activities carried out. 

Your business counter (e.g. Liantis) can help you choose the right codes and, if you wish, register them with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (BCE/KBO) and the VAT administration. Your accountant can also help you with these procedures.

If you have at least one salaried worker, you’re considered an employer. You’re therefore required to transmit your NACEBEL codes to the ONSS. But don’t panic: your social secretariat can explain the steps to take depending on your situation. 

How many NACE codes should I choose?

There’s no need to limit yourself to one or two NACEBEL codes; you’re allowed to register several codes. That’s good news for self-employed people who want to combine different activities without limiting themselves!

💡 Accountable tip: When it comes to NACE codes, it’s better to choose too many than too few. If you decide to add a professional activity later, you need to pay to add an additional NACE code or codes. And be aware that carrying out an activity without having registered the right NACEBEL code can cause you problems. That doesn’t mean you should select dozens of NACE codes, though. Some NACEBEL codes come with specific obligations, such as taking out insurance, obtaining permits, or even having a licence. So only register the codes you’ll actually use or for which you have the right qualifications. 

The importance of NACEBEL codes

When you’re starting out as self-employed, you have a lot to think about. Your NACEBEL codes might not seem that important; one admin task to tick off among lots of others, then quickly forgotten. This is largely true, since the primary purpose of NACE codes is to divide the economy into sectors and allow statistics and reports to be drawn up. 

But NACE codes can be important for other reasons too. For example, the public authorities take them into account when determining eligibility for certain bonuses or support measures. If you haven’t selected the correct NACEBEL codes, you could miss out on those benefits. 

What if your activities don’t match the NACEBEL codes you’ve registered with the BCE/KBO? That can also be a problem. Some codes imply specific obligations, such as insurance, licences, or permits, as mentioned above. 

Using algorithms, it’s very easy to check whether real estate agents, for example, have the required licence and insurance. NACE codes are therefore an ideal starting point for monitoring companies in a particular sector and identifying those that are not respecting the rules. What if you’re invoicing for an activity you’re not registered for? An inspection will reveal that very quickly. 

The VAT administration also uses NACEBEL codes. If you’re requesting a reduced VAT rate for a certain activity, you must have the correct NACE codes. If that’s not the case, alarm bells will quickly ring, and you’ll probably find yourself subject to a VAT audit. 

What about a new activity?

Did you forget to add some codes when you started? Or is your business evolving? In this case, you can take the initiative to add the relevant NACEBEL codes up to one month following the start of the new activity. This process costs €105.50 per establishment unit, but lets you stay fully compliant with the rules. 

Are you stopping certain activities? It may be wise to delete the related codes, especially if they’re linked to having a particular insurance or licence. If you don’t delete the codes, you might not be able to cancel certain recurring costs. 

How do I check my NACEBEL codes? 

Every self-employed individual or company can check their own NACEBEL codes via the BCE/KBO Public Search tool or in the My Enterprise section of the FPS Economy website.

Other companies can also check your activities there, for example, if they’re considering giving you a big contract. Another reason to keep those codes up to date! 

NACEBEL codes are important, especially when you start your business. However, you don’t need to think about them much, unless your business evolves.  

And what about your accounting? Accountable makes it simpler and clearer, so you can stay focused on your business and your clients. Together, we’re keeping your business in good shape! 

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