What this class covers
ANZSIC class 6910 classifies businesses and organisations primarily engaged in systematic scientific investigation across multiple disciplines in Australia. This classification covers units undertaking research in agricultural, biological, physical, or social sciences, whether conducting research for their own purposes or on behalf of clients. The research must involve original investigation aimed at acquiring new knowledge rather than applying existing knowledge to specific problems.
Typical operations in this class include medical research institutes developing new treatments, agricultural research stations improving crop yields, biotechnology firms conducting genetic research, and economic research organisations analysing market trends. Observatory operations tracking celestial bodies and research farms conducting agricultural experiments also fall within this classification. These activities are distinguished by their focus on discovery and knowledge creation rather than commercial application or consulting services.
This classification is used by Australian government agencies for statistical reporting, by businesses for industry benchmarking, and by researchers analysing the scientific services sector. It helps identify the contribution of scientific research to Australia's innovation ecosystem and economy.
Primary activities in plain English
Businesses classified under ANZSIC 6910 typically engage in one or more of the following activities:
- Conducting aeronautical or aerospace research and development
- Operating agricultural research facilities and experimental farms
- Performing biological research including marine and environmental studies
- Engaging in biotechnology research and development
- Conducting economic research and analysis
- Performing food science and nutritional research
- Undertaking industrial research and development
- Conducting medical and pharmaceutical research
- Operating astronomical observatories and research stations
- Managing dedicated research farm operations
- Providing general scientific research services
- Conducting social science research including psychological and sociological studies
- Operating space tracking and satellite research facilities
Exclusions and nearby codes
Several related activities are specifically excluded from ANZSIC 6910 and classified elsewhere:
Technical or engineering consulting services, where existing knowledge is applied to solve specific client problems, are classified under ANZSIC 6923: Engineering Design and Engineering Consulting Services. This distinction separates research (creating new knowledge) from consulting (applying existing knowledge).
Market research and statistical services, which typically involve data collection and analysis for commercial purposes rather than scientific investigation, fall under ANZSIC 6950: Market Research and Statistical Services.
Pathological and diagnostic imaging services provided for the medical profession are classified under ANZSIC 8520: Pathology and Diagnostic Imaging Services, as these involve applied medical testing rather than research.
Practical guidance
When registering your business with the Australian Business Register, scientific research organisations should select the appropriate Business Industry Classification (BIC) code that corresponds to ANZSIC 6910. The matching BIC code is 69100 for Scientific Research Services.
For tax purposes, businesses engaged in eligible research and development activities may qualify for the R&D tax incentive. You must register your R&D activities with AusIndustry before claiming the incentive on your tax return. Maintain detailed records of research expenditures and outcomes to support any claims.
Workers' compensation classifications may vary depending on the specific research activities conducted. Laboratories handling hazardous materials typically have different risk classifications than social science research offices. Consult your state's workers' compensation authority for appropriate classification.
Research organisations should also investigate potential grant opportunities through agencies like the Australian Research Council, National Health and Medical Research Council, or state government innovation programs that often use ANZSIC codes for eligibility assessment.