NACE-BEL 2025: What Belgian companies must do now

From 1 January 2025, all companies in Belgium must use the updated NACE-BEL 2025 classification. This change follows EU Regulation 2023/137, which adapts business activity codes across the EU.

The aim is clear: improve the way authorities collect and use economic data. But for companies, this means reviewing and possibly updating the codes that define their activities.

Why does this change matter?

The previous version, NACE-BEL 2008, no longer reflected how modern businesses operate. Since then, industries have evolved. To address this, the European Commission revised the classification structure.

Belgium applied this new structure through NACE-BEL 2025. While the update improves consistency, it also brings new responsibilities. Every business should make sure its activity codes are still accurate.

What is a NACE-BEL code?

A NACE-BEL code describes the main activity of a business. Several public bodies use this code:

  • The Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (CBE) stores it in your company file.
  • The VAT administration assigns a code based on your economic reality.
  • The National Social Security Office (NSSO) links it to employment records.

Because different authorities rely on this code, any mistake can lead to delays, rejections, or compliance issues.

What’s different in the 2025 version?

The updated structure simplifies older categories. In most cases, detailed 7-digit codes have been replaced with broader 5-digit codes.

Authorities automatically converted existing codes. However, automation cannot detect whether your company’s actual activity has changed. This is why a manual review is essential.

Do you need to change your articles of association?

In most cases, no. The NACE-BEL update does not require you to revise your articles.

That said, some sectors are subject to licensing rules. If your activity falls under these categories, an incorrect code can block permit renewals or delay applications.

How to check and update your codes?

You can review and update your company’s codes in a few simple steps:

Step 1: Log in

Go to the My Enterprise platform and open your company’s registered details.

Step 2: Compare activities

Check whether your current NACE-BEL code matches what your business actually does.

Step 3: Choose the right code

Use the official NACE-BEL 2025 list to find the most accurate match.

Step 4: File the update

Submit the change through an accredited business counter (guichet d’entreprise). They can also advise you on licence implications.

What happens if you don’t act?

If your code is wrong, you might face:

  • Delays in getting or renewing licences
  • Misclassification by tax or social security offices
  • Errors in public databases
  • Regulatory complications in audits or inspections

By updating your code, you prevent these issues before they affect operations.

Need help with the NACE-BEL 2025 update?

Belgium’s transition to NACE-BEL 2025 is part of a broader European effort to modernise and harmonise business classification systems. The codes now shape compliance, tax, labour, and licensing requirements across multiple authorities.

Companies must review their activity codes, ensure alignment with real operations, and update their registration where necessary. Ignoring these updates could lead to regulatory delays, failed licence applications, or avoidable fines.

For more insights into similar transitions in other countries, explore our article: TEÁOR’25: How Hungary New Activity Codes Affect Companies.

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