Important: This page is an independent reference summary. Verify classification decisions against the official ABS source before using them for tax, licensing, immigration or compliance purposes.

What this class covers

ANZSIC class 5419 covers Australian businesses that create and distribute various published materials—excluding software, music, and internet-based publishing. This class is for publishers who produce physical or digital content for greeting cards, calendars, diaries, art prints, and postcards. These businesses are involved in content creation, design, arrangement, and dissemination, rather than just manufacturing or printing.

Typical operations in this class include independent card publishers designing and selling seasonal greeting cards, companies producing custom calendars for corporate clients, art studios publishing limited edition prints, diary manufacturers creating and distributing planners, and postcard publishers supplying tourist or artistic imagery. These activities fall under the broader publishing industry and are distinct from printing or internet-only publishing.

This classification is used by government agencies, researchers, and businesses for industry analysis, market research, and regulatory reporting. Correct classification ensures accurate statistical representation and can affect grant eligibility, insurance categories, and industry benchmarking.

Primary activities in plain English

Businesses in this class typically engage in:

  • Publishing art prints, such as limited edition artworks or photographic prints, excluding internet-only distribution
  • Producing and distributing calendars, including custom designs for businesses or retail sale
  • Creating and publishing diaries and planners for personal or professional use
  • Designing and publishing greeting cards for various occasions and markets
  • Publishing postcards, typically featuring artistic, tourist, or commemorative designs

Exclusions and nearby codes

Several related activities are excluded from this class and classified elsewhere:

Businesses that publish greeting cards, postcards, or art prints exclusively online fall under ANZSIC 5700: Internet Publishing and Broadcasting. Publishers of sheet music are classified in ANZSIC 5521: Music Publishing. Companies that only print these items without engaging in content creation or publishing activities belong in ANZSIC 1611: Printing. Software publishers are classified separately under ANZSIC 5420: Software Publishing.

Practical guidance

When registering your ABN, selecting the correct ANZSIC code helps government agencies understand your business activities. This classification may influence your Business Industry Classification (BIC) code, which can affect workers' compensation insurance categories and premiums. Some industry grants or support programs may require specific ANZSIC codes for eligibility.

For tax purposes, businesses in this class typically report under the relevant industry code in their tax returns. Keep in mind that publishing physical goods may involve different GST treatments compared to digital-only publishing. Always consult with a qualified accountant or tax professional for specific advice related to your circumstances.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics uses this classification for economic data collection, so accurate reporting helps maintain reliable industry statistics that businesses can use for market analysis and planning.