What this class covers
ANZSIC Class 2239 classifies Australian businesses primarily engaged in manufacturing metal containers that aren't covered by more specific classifications. This category focuses on light to medium gauge metal containers used for storage, packaging, and transport across various industries. Typical operations involve cutting, forming, and joining sheet metal into finished container products, often through processes like stamping, welding, or mechanical fastening.
In practical Australian business terms, this might include a Melbourne workshop producing metal letter boxes for residential estates, a Sydney manufacturer creating metal garbage bins for local councils, or a Brisbane operation making specialised tool boxes for the mining industry. The classification applies to businesses where container manufacturing is the main activity, rather than incidental to other operations.
This classification is used by government agencies like the Australian Bureau of Statistics for economic data collection, by the Australian Business Register for business categorization, and by various state authorities for industry-specific reporting and compliance purposes.
Primary activities in plain English
Businesses in this class typically engage in one or more of the following activities:
- Manufacturing metal bins and garbage cans for household, commercial, or municipal use
- Producing metal cans for food, beverages, and other consumer products
- Fabricating metal drums and barrels for industrial storage and transport
- Making metal letter boxes and mail receptacles
- Manufacturing metal tool boxes, chests, and storage cases
- Producing vacuum bottles, jugs, and insulated containers
- Creating other metal containers not specifically classified elsewhere
Exclusions and nearby codes
This class specifically excludes manufacturing activities that fall under other ANZSIC classifications:
The most significant exclusion is manufacturing boilers, tanks and other heavy gauge metal containers, which are included in Class 2231 Boiler, Tank and Other Heavy Gauge Metal Container Manufacturing. This distinction is based on the thickness of metal used and the intended industrial application of the containers.
Businesses manufacturing metal furniture or cabinets primarily for storage purposes would typically be classified elsewhere, as would operations focused on manufacturing shipping containers or other very large metal storage units that fall outside the scope of this light to medium container classification.
Practical guidance
When registering your business with the Australian Business Register, you should use Business Industry Code (BIC) 22390 for activities falling under ANZSIC 2239. This ensures accurate classification for tax reporting and statistical purposes.
For workers' compensation insurance, businesses in this class are typically classified under manufacturing categories, though specific premium rates may vary by state and the particular risks associated with metal fabrication activities like welding, cutting, and metal pressing.
Manufacturers should be aware that certain products, particularly food containers, may need to comply with additional Australian standards regarding materials safety and manufacturing processes. While the ANZSIC classification itself doesn't confer compliance, it helps identify which regulatory frameworks may apply to your specific products.
When applying for industry grants or assistance programs, accurate ANZSIC classification helps ensure you're considered for appropriate manufacturing sector programs, though specific eligibility depends on individual program criteria.