What this class covers
ANZSIC class 1913 classifies Australian businesses primarily engaged in manufacturing products from polymer foam materials. This includes transforming raw polymer materials into lightweight foam products through various processes like extrusion, molding, or expansion. These businesses produce both consumer and industrial foam products designed for insulation, protection, flotation, or cushioning purposes.
Typical operations in this class include a factory manufacturing expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation panels for building construction, a plant producing polyurethane foam packaging materials for electronics protection, and a facility making foam flotation devices for marine applications. Other examples include businesses manufacturing foam coolers for camping and recreational use, protective foam helmets for bicycles, and disposable foam food containers for the hospitality industry.
This classification is used by government agencies including the Australian Bureau of Statistics for economic data collection, the Australian Taxation Office for business activity reporting, and state authorities for workers' compensation premium calculations. Businesses operating in this sector should ensure they're correctly classified to meet regulatory requirements and accurately represent their operations in official reporting.
Primary activities in plain English
Businesses in this class primarily engage in:
- Manufacturing bicycle safety helmets from polymer foam materials
- Producing foam coolers and ice chests for food and beverage storage
- Making disposable foam cups for hot and cold beverages
- Manufacturing foam food containers for takeaway and packaging purposes
- Producing polymer insulation and cushioning materials for construction, swimming pools, spas, and marine applications
- Manufacturing sheet foam products for various industrial and consumer uses
- Producing other polymer foam products not elsewhere classified
- Manufacturing polymer filler products for cavity wall insulation in buildings
Exclusions and nearby codes
This class specifically excludes businesses that primarily manufacture rubber foam products, which are classified separately under ANZSIC group 192 (Rubber Product Manufacturing). Similarly, businesses mainly engaged in manufacturing plastic products that aren't foam-based (such as solid plastic products) fall under other classes within group 191, particularly ANZSIC 1912 (Rigid and Semi-Rigid Polymer Product Manufacturing).
Units primarily engaged in manufacturing foam mattresses and pillows are excluded from this class and are classified under ANZSIC 2293 (Mattress Manufacturing). Businesses that install foam insulation rather than manufacture it are classified in the construction division. The classification system maintains these distinctions to ensure accurate industry data collection and appropriate regulatory treatment across different business activities.
Practical guidance
When registering your business with the Australian Business Register, you'll need to select the appropriate ANZSIC code that matches your primary activity. For foam product manufacturers, this is typically ANZSIC 1913 if foam manufacturing represents your main revenue source. The Australian Taxation Office uses this classification for business activity statements and tax reporting purposes.
Your state or territory workers' compensation authority will use this classification to determine your premium rates, as foam manufacturing operations have specific risk factors related to chemical handling, machinery operation, and manufacturing processes. The Business Industry Classification (BIC) code 19130 corresponds directly to this ANZSIC class and may be used in some government reporting contexts.
When applying for manufacturing grants or assistance programs, ensure your ANZSIC classification accurately reflects your operations, as eligibility often depends on specific industry classifications. Keep records of your manufacturing processes and products, as you may need to justify your classification if questioned by regulatory authorities or when applying for industry-specific programs.