What this class covers
ANZSIC class 3492 classifies Australian businesses primarily engaged in the wholesale distribution of computers, computer peripheral equipment, and related products. This classification applies to enterprises that purchase these goods from manufacturers or importers and sell them to retailers, businesses, institutions, or other wholesalers rather than directly to the general public.
Typical operations falling under this class include businesses that wholesale desktop computers, laptops, servers, and related hardware components. It also encompasses distributors specializing in computer peripherals such as printers, keyboards, and other input/output devices. The classification extends to wholesale operations dealing with blank digital media (CDs, DVDs, computer discs) and computer software when these are the primary business activity.
Examples of businesses in this class include a Sydney-based distributor supplying printers to office supply retailers across NSW, a Melbourne company wholesaling gaming computers to specialty stores, and a Brisbane operation distributing blank media and software to educational institutions.
Primary activities in plain English
Businesses in this class are primarily engaged in:
- Wholesaling computers including desktops, laptops, and servers
- Distributing computer peripherals such as printers (inkjet and laser), keyboards, and other accessories
- Wholesaling computer software through business-to-business channels
- Supplying blank digital media including CDs, DVDs, and computer discs
- Distributing computer games through wholesale channels
- Handling computer peripheral equipment not elsewhere classified
Exclusions and nearby codes
This class specifically excludes certain wholesale activities that are classified elsewhere in the ANZSIC system. Businesses primarily engaged in wholesaling telecommunication goods such as modems, routers, phones, and network equipment fall under Class 3493: Telecommunication Goods Wholesaling.
Enterprises wholesaling pre-recorded entertainment media (music CDs, movie DVDs, or video games) are classified in Class 3739: Other Goods Wholesaling n.e.c. rather than this class, which only covers blank media.
Businesses that retail computers and peripherals directly to consumers (rather than wholesaling) fall under Division G Retail Trade, specifically classes related to electrical and electronic goods retailing.
Practical guidance
When registering your business with the Australian Business Register, you'll need to select the appropriate ANZSIC code. For computer and computer peripheral wholesaling operations, Class 3492 is typically the correct classification. The corresponding Business Industry Code (BIC) 34920 is used for workers' compensation insurance purposes in most Australian states.
This classification affects how you complete Business Activity Statements and may influence your eligibility for certain industry-specific grants or programs. The Australian Taxation Office uses ANZSIC codes for industry benchmarking and compliance purposes.
If your business engages in both computer wholesaling and telecommunications equipment wholesaling, you may need to determine which activity represents your primary revenue source for classification purposes. Businesses with significant operations in multiple classes should consult the ABS guidelines for reporting dominant activity.