What this class covers
ANZSIC class 1813 covers Australian businesses primarily engaged in manufacturing basic inorganic chemicals. These are fundamental chemical substances that lack carbon-hydrogen bonds and serve as essential inputs for various industrial processes. The classification includes operations producing acids, alkalis, salts, and inorganic pigments through chemical synthesis or electrochemical methods.
Typical businesses in this class include plants manufacturing sulphuric acid for industrial use, facilities producing sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) through electrolysis, operations creating industrial salts like sodium carbonate, manufacturers of inorganic dyes and pigments for industrial applications, and producers of hydrogen peroxide and other inorganic peroxides. These operations typically supply bulk chemicals to other manufacturers rather than selling directly to consumers.
The classification is used by government agencies, researchers, and industry bodies to track the basic inorganic chemical manufacturing sector in Australia. Businesses in this class may need to comply with specific environmental regulations and safety standards due to the hazardous nature of many inorganic chemicals.
Primary activities in plain English
Businesses classified under ANZSIC 1813 typically engage in one or more of these activities:
- Manufacturing inorganic acids including hydrochloric, sulphuric, nitric, and phosphoric acids
- Producing alkalis and alkaline salts such as sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, and sodium bicarbonate
- Making industrial salts including calcium chloride and various silicates
- Manufacturing inorganic dyes and pigments for industrial applications
- Producing hydrogen peroxide and other inorganic peroxides
- Manufacturing chromium sulphate primarily used in leather tanning processes
- Producing fluorides, hypophosphites, and nitrites for industrial use
- Manufacturing zinc oxide and other metal compounds
- Operating electrochemical processes to produce chlorine and caustic soda
Exclusions and nearby codes
Several related manufacturing activities are excluded from this classification and fall under other ANZSIC codes:
Manufacturing bleaches and disinfectants is classified under 1851 Cleaning Compound Manufacturing. Synthetic organic dyes and pigments production falls under 1812 Basic Organic Chemical Manufacturing. Fertiliser manufacturing is classified separately under 1831 Fertiliser Manufacturing.
Sulphuric acid produced as a by-product of smelting operations is included in 2133 Copper, Silver, Lead and Zinc Smelting and Refining. Inorganic pesticides and herbicides manufacturing falls under 1832 Pesticide Manufacturing, while photographic chemicals are classified under 1891 Photographic Chemical Product Manufacturing.
Practical guidance
When registering your business with the Australian Business Register, accurately selecting ANZSIC 1813 ensures proper classification for statistical and regulatory purposes. This classification may affect your business's workers' compensation premiums, as chemical manufacturing typically carries higher risk ratings than other industries.
Businesses in this sector should maintain detailed records of chemical processes and safety protocols, as these may be required for environmental compliance reporting. The Australian Bureau of Statistics uses this classification for economic data collection, so accurate reporting helps maintain reliable industry statistics.
Some government grants and industry assistance programs target specific manufacturing sectors, so correct ANZSIC classification ensures eligibility assessment. Businesses should also consult the relevant BIC (Business Industry Code) 18130 when dealing with taxation matters, as this aligns with the ANZSIC classification for administrative purposes.