What this class covers
ANZSIC Class 3505 classifies Australian businesses whose primary activity is dismantling end-of-life motor vehicles or motorcycles, or wholesaling used parts sourced from these vehicles. This industry operates within the wholesale trade sector, meaning businesses typically sell to other businesses (like repair shops or parts resellers) rather than directly to the public. The core function involves the systematic breaking down of vehicles to harvest reusable components such as engines, transmissions, body panels, and electronics for resale.
Common examples of businesses in this class include:
- A wrecking yard that acquires damaged or written-off cars, dismantles them, and sells the salvaged parts to mechanical workshops.
- A specialist business that imports and wholesales used motorcycle engines and gearboxes to independent mechanics.
- An operation that dismantles commercial vehicles like vans and trucks to supply used parts to the heavy vehicle repair industry.
- A processor that extracts and tests specific high-value components like alternators or ECU units for wholesale distribution.
This classification is used by government agencies like the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) for collecting economic data, and by businesses for accurately describing their operations on official forms, insurance applications, and for industry benchmarking.
Primary activities in plain English
Businesses are included in this class if their main revenue comes from one or more of the following activities:
- Dismantling motorcycles to salvage and sell their parts.
- Dismantling motor vehicles (cars, vans, trucks) to salvage and sell their parts.
- Buying and selling used motorcycle parts in bulk to other businesses (wholesaling).
- Buying and selling used motor vehicle parts in bulk to other businesses (wholesaling).
Exclusions and nearby codes
It is important to note what this class does not cover. Businesses that primarily sell used car parts directly to the public at a retail level are excluded from this wholesale class. This activity falls under ANZSIC Class 3921: Motor Vehicle Parts Retailing. The key distinction is the customer: Class 3505 is business-to-business (B2B) wholesaling, while Class 3921 is business-to-consumer (B2C) retailing. A single business might engage in both activities, but its primary source of income determines its main ANZSIC classification.
Practical guidance
If your business operates within this class, you will need an Australian Business Number (ABN) and likely need to be registered for Goods and Services Tax (GST), as the wholesale turnover threshold of $75,000 is often met. You must report GST on taxable sales through your regular Business Activity Statement (BAS).
For insurance purposes, particularly workers' compensation, you will typically use the corresponding Business Industry Code (BIC) 35050. Using the correct BIC ensures your premiums are calculated accurately based on the risk profile of your industry. When applying for certain business grants or reporting to government agencies, accurately citing your ANZSIC code (3505) and BIC (35050) ensures you are assessed against the correct industry criteria. Businesses in this sector should also be aware of state and territory regulations regarding environmental handling and disposal of vehicle fluids and hazardous materials from the dismantling process.