From September 2025, the Standard Business Classification (SBI) has been updated. Every entrepreneur in the Netherlands will automatically be affected, as the codes assigned by the Chamber of Commerce (KVK) have been revised. But what exactly does this mean, and how might it impact your business?
What is an SBI code?
An SBI code is a number that identifies the main business activities of your company. The classification is set by Statistics Netherlands (CBS) and applied by the KVK when you register. Each code consists of five digits, becoming increasingly specific with each step. This makes it easy to see which sector a company belongs to.
Why does it matter?
SBI codes are far more than an administrative detail. They are used for:
- Insurance: to determine premiums, such as for income protection.
- Banks and subsidies: to assess applications.
- The Tax Authority: for applying fiscal schemes.
- Government and CBS: to collect economic data for policy and statistics.
An incorrect or outdated code can therefore have financial and practical consequences.
The 2025 revision
Since 2008, the SBI has seen little change, despite major shifts in the economy. New sectors have emerged (such as online platforms and brokerage services), while others have almost disappeared (such as video rental shops). This is why the classification has undergone a thorough revision in 2025, aligned with the European framework (NACE Rev. 2.1).
Key changes include:
- Five-digit codes: all codes now have five digits (four-digit codes have been extended with a zero).
- New sectors: separate codes for brokerage services and online platforms.
- Retail restructuring: the distinction between physical shops and online sales has been removed; both now fall under retail.
- Section shifts: information and communication have been split into separate sections.
- Obsolete codes removed: outdated or rarely used codes have been eliminated.
During the transition, SBI 2008 and SBI 2025 will temporarily run side by side in CBS statistics.
What should entrepreneurs do?
The KVK automatically updated the codes in the Commercial Register in September 2025. In most cases, no action is required. However, it is advisable to check whether your business description is still accurate.
How to proceed:
- Log in to Mijn KVK to review your business activities and associated codes.
- Check whether the description of your activities is up to date.
- If you have new or amended activities, update your business details via KVK.nl.
- Be aware of potential implications for insurance, subsidies or permits.
The updated SBI 2025 provides a more accurate classification of businesses, reflecting today’s economy. For most entrepreneurs, nothing will change. However, if your activities have expanded or shifted, it’s worth double-checking your registration. That way, you can avoid surprises when dealing with insurers, banks or government authorities.
