What this class covers
ANZSIC class 3323 covers businesses primarily engaged in wholesaling industrial and agricultural chemicals and chemical products in Australia. This includes businesses that source, store, and distribute these products to other businesses rather than directly to consumers. The classification encompasses a wide range of chemical products used in various industrial processes and agricultural applications.
Typical businesses in this class include:
- Agricultural chemical suppliers distributing fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides to farming operations
- Industrial chemical wholesalers supplying acids, solvents and cleaning compounds to manufacturing businesses
- Specialty chemical distributors providing photographic chemicals, dyes and pigments to professional users
- Safety equipment suppliers who also wholesale industrial gases (excluding LPG) and related products
- Wholesalers of plastic raw materials in unfinished forms like blocks, rods, plates and film sheeting
This classification is used by government agencies, researchers, and businesses themselves to track industry performance, allocate resources, and ensure appropriate regulatory oversight of chemical handling and distribution.
Primary activities in plain English
Businesses classified under ANZSIC 3323 typically engage in one or more of the following activities:
- Wholesaling agricultural chemicals including fertilisers, pesticides, herbicides and insecticides
- Distributing industrial cleaning products like detergents, bleaches and abrasive cleansers
- Supplying industrial adhesives, paints, pigments and dye products
- Wholesaling industrial gases (excluding liquefied petroleum gas) and related equipment
- Distributing photographic chemicals and processing materials
- Supplying plastic raw materials in basic forms like blocks, rods, sheets and film
- Wholesaling industrial oils, fats and marine oils
- Distributing explosives for industrial use (excluding ammunition)
- Supplying tanning materials, waterproofing compounds and industrial polishes
- Wholesaling sheep dip products and animal licks
Exclusions and nearby codes
Certain activities are specifically excluded from ANZSIC 3323 and classified elsewhere:
- Pharmaceutical and toiletry goods wholesaling is classified under ANZSIC 3720, covering medicines, cosmetics and personal care products
- Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) wholesaling falls under ANZSIC 3321 for petroleum product wholesaling
Related classifications include other wholesale trade categories within the Basic Material Wholesaling subdivision, particularly other classes within the Mineral, Metal and Chemical Wholesaling group.
Practical guidance
Businesses operating in this industry should use Business Industry Code (BIC) 33230 when registering for an Australian Business Number (ABN) and completing Business Activity Statements. This ensures consistent classification across government systems including tax reporting, industry statistics, and regulatory compliance.
Workers' compensation premiums for this industry are typically calculated based on the wholesale trade risk category, with specific considerations for handling hazardous chemicals. Businesses should maintain appropriate safety certifications and insurance coverage given the potentially dangerous nature of many chemical products.
When applying for business grants or industry assistance programs, accurate ANZSIC classification helps ensure eligibility for relevant schemes targeting the wholesale trade or chemical distribution sectors. Businesses should also be aware of specific regulations governing the storage, transport and handling of hazardous chemicals under Australian work health and safety laws.