What this class covers
ANZSIC class 2411 classifies businesses in Australia that are primarily engaged in the manufacturing of equipment used for capturing images, magnifying vision, or correcting eyesight. This includes the physical production of the devices themselves and the precise finishing of their core optical components. The class is technology-agnostic, covering both traditional mechanical equipment and modern digital devices, provided the primary activity is manufacturing.
This classification is used for official statistical purposes by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) to track the size and performance of this niche manufacturing sector. It is also commonly used by businesses for ABN registration, tax reporting, and determining the correct Business Industry Code (BIC). For example, a factory producing digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera bodies, a workshop that grinds and coats prescription spectacle lenses, or a firm assembling high-powered microscopes for laboratories would all be included here.
It is important to note that this class is strictly for manufacturing activities. Retail sales, professional services like optometry, and the production of raw materials or consumables are explicitly excluded and classified elsewhere.
Primary activities in plain English
Businesses in this class are mainly involved in the following activities:
- Manufacturing cameras and related photographic equipment (but not the film or chemicals inside).
- Producing optical instruments like microscopes, telescopes, and binoculars.
- Manufacturing ophthalmic goods used for vision correction, such as contact lenses, spectacle frames, and sunglasses.
- Grinding and finishing optical lenses to precise prescriptions for use in spectacles, instruments, or other equipment.
- Assembling other specialised optical devices and equipment not covered elsewhere.
Exclusions and nearby codes
Several related activities are excluded from this class and are classified under other specific ANZSIC codes.
- Manufacturing optical glass or blank lenses: The initial production of the raw glass material or basic lens blanks is included in Class 2010: Glass and Glass Product Manufacturing.
- Manufacturing photographic chemicals, film, or paper: Producing the sensitised consumables used in photography is classified under Class 1891: Photographic Chemical Product Manufacturing.
- Manufacturing photocopiers: The production of photocopying machines falls under Class 2421: Computer and Electronic Office Equipment Manufacturing.
- Testing eyesight and dispensing glasses: The professional service of optometry and selling finished glasses to consumers is found in Class 8532: Optometry and Optical Dispensing.
- Developing photographic film: Processing film from a camera is a service activity classified under Class 9532: Photographic Film Processing.
Practical guidance
When registering for an ABN or completing business activity statements (BAS), you will likely need to select your ANZSIC classification. For this sector, the corresponding Business Industry Code (BIC) is 24110, which aligns directly with this class. Using the correct code ensures accurate reporting to the ABS and can affect your eligibility for certain industry-specific grants, rebates, or supply chain programs.
Your workers' compensation insurance premiums are also influenced by your industry classification. Manufacturing optical and photographic equipment is generally considered a lower-risk activity compared to heavy machinery manufacturing, but premiums are ultimately determined by your state's scheme based on your specific BIC and claims history.
If your business engages in multiple activities, such as both manufacturing lenses and retailing them directly to the public, you may need to report under more than one ANZSIC class. The primary classification should be for the activity that generates the most revenue.