Netherlands 2025 NACE Codes Revision: What Businesses Need to Know

The NACE codes revision 2025 in the Netherlands marks one of the most significant updates to business classification in over a decade. From 5 to 7 September 2025, the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK) will automatically update the Standard Industrial Classification (SBI) codes for nearly every registered company. It sounds technical—but these small numbers tell a big story about how Dutch businesses are officially seen, taxed, and regulated.

Before the Change: How the SBI Worked Until Now

For years, the SBI code has acted like a digital label on every Dutch business. It’s a four- or five-digit identifier that describes what a company actually does—whether it’s a consultancy, café, or clean-tech start-up.
These codes link directly to NACE, the European classification system used for economic statistics. Government institutions, insurers, and even pension funds rely on them to apply the right rates, permissions, and obligations. Until now, most companies rarely gave their SBI much thought—unless a wrong code caused a compliance headache.

What’s Happening in 2025—and Why

Here’s the thing: the economy doesn’t stand still. Every 15 years or so, new business models emerge, old ones fade, and statistics need to catch up. That’s where NACE Revision 2 comes in. To stay aligned, the Netherlands will have rolled out a new version of the SBI starting in September 2025, affecting around 80% of all registered businesses.

The KvK, working with Statistics Netherlands (CBS), will handle the update automatically, so there’s no form to submit. The goal is simple—modernise the classification system so that it reflects today’s reality of sustainability, digital platforms, and hybrid services.

New Classifications, New Realities

The 2025 update isn’t just cosmetic. It rewrites how industries are grouped. Four-digit codes will gain an extra digit (a zero), merging some online and offline trade categories. Entirely new codes will appear for fast-evolving sectors—think renewable energy, comparison platforms, and crypto brokers—while outdated industries, such as video rental shops, are finally retired.

It’s the biggest shake-up since the last revision. Every business, whether a start-up or a multinational, will be assigned codes from SBI 2025, ensuring a more accurate snapshot of the Dutch economy.

Why It Matters More Than It Seems

At first glance, it’s a statistical update. But in practice, your SBI code quietly influences much more than data collection. It affects insurance premiums, eligibility for permits and subsidies, and collective labour agreements. It even plays a role in tax assessments, particularly when determining whether a business carries out VAT-taxable activities or belongs to a specific pension fund category.

Inaccurate codes can create confusion in procurement, financing, or partnership evaluations. When your SBI code doesn’t match what you actually do, it might send the wrong signal to regulators, banks, or clients. That’s why this change—though automatic—demands attention.

What Companies Should Do Right Now

There’s no need to panic or file anything urgently, but a quick review now will save trouble later. The KvK has launched a national awareness campaign encouraging every company to check its new codes once the update goes live.

Here’s how to stay in control:

• Log in to Mijn KvK or visit CBS.nl to see your updated SBI code.

• Check if the description still matches your real activities.

• If your business focus has shifted, request a correction or propose a new code.

• Review your internal records—and if your activities have evolved significantly, consider updating your articles of association, even though it’s not legally required.

These simple checks ensure your company’s identity on record matches what happens in practice.

A Quick Reality Check

There’s one important limitation. While the SBI update affects classification, it does not automatically alter your business licences, tax position, or contracts. The KvK and CBS manage only the coding and registration side. We are not in a position to assess whether business licences require amending, nor can we advise on tax law consequences arising from the implementation of NACE Revision 2. Still, aligning your operational documents with your official records remains a wise move—especially for compliance teams overseeing cross-border reporting.

What’s next?

Managing an SBI code update process requires careful verification and awareness across departments. For more insights into similar classification reforms and compliance updates across Europe, explore our article France NAF 2025.

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