What this class covers
ANZSIC class 3499 classifies Australian businesses primarily engaged in wholesaling a wide variety of machinery and equipment that does not fit into more specific categories. This class acts as a catch-all for wholesale trade in non-electrical and non-electronic mechanical equipment, industrial apparatus, and miscellaneous hardware. Typical operations involve sourcing products from manufacturers or importers and selling them to retailers, other wholesalers, or industrial end-users.
In practice, this classification is used by government agencies, insurers, and researchers to categorise businesses for statistical reporting, policy development, and risk assessment. For example, a company wholesaling industrial furnaces (non-electrical), marine engines, or material handling equipment like conveyor systems would typically be classified here. Other common examples include businesses specialising in fire protection equipment, air compressors, or industrial brushes.
Primary activities in plain English
Businesses in this class are mainly engaged in:
- Wholesaling non-electric air conditioning equipment and gas or kerosene heaters
- Supplying bearings, industrial brushes, and lubricating machinery to trade customers
- Wholesaling internal combustion engines (excluding those for motor vehicles) and marine engines
- Distributing material handling equipment, pumping machinery, and wire working machinery
- Supplying fire protection equipment like portable extinguishers and industrial furnace equipment
- Wholesaling non-electrical scales, weighing machinery, and display or notice boards
- Distributing photographic film and non-electronic photographic supplies
- Wholesaling boats, jet skis, and related parts (excluding electronic components)
- Supplying hairdressing equipment and blank cassettes
Exclusions and nearby codes
This class specifically excludes wholesaling of electrical or electronic equipment. Businesses primarily engaged in wholesaling cameras, electronic scales, or other electronic goods are classified in ANZSIC 3494: Other Electrical and Electronic Goods Wholesaling.
It also excludes wholesaling of motor vehicle engines, which falls under ANZSIC 3504: Motor Vehicle New Parts Wholesaling. This ensures that automotive parts wholesaling is grouped separately from general industrial machinery.
This class sits within Group 349: Other Machinery and Equipment Wholesaling, which includes other specialised wholesale classes for machinery not covered in main groups.
Practical guidance
When registering for an Australian Business Number (ABN), you must select the ANZSIC code that best matches your primary activity. Using code 3499 indicates your business is wholesaling miscellaneous non-electrical machinery. The Australian Business Register uses this for industry benchmarking and reporting.
For Business Activity Statements (BAS), ensure your reported activities align with this classification. The Australian Taxation Office may use ANZSIC codes for compliance checks or industry-specific tax rulings.
Workers' compensation premiums in Australia are often based on industry risk classifications. Businesses in 3499 are typically grouped with other machinery wholesalers, which may have different premium rates compared to retail or manufacturing operations. Check with your state's WorkCover authority for specific details.
Some government grants or industry support programs may use ANZSIC codes to determine eligibility. Always verify that your classified activities match the program criteria.