What this class covers
ANZSIC class 6924 classifies Australian businesses that provide specialised design services not covered by more specific categories like architectural, engineering, or computer system design services. This classification captures creative and technical design activities that serve commercial, industrial, and consumer markets across Australia.
Typical businesses in this category operate as small to medium enterprises, often serving local or niche markets. These design services require specialised creative skills and technical knowledge, but don't typically involve structural engineering or architectural certification requirements.
Examples include a Melbourne-based graphic design studio creating branding packages for small businesses, a Sydney fashion designer developing clothing collections for Australian retailers, or a Brisbane interior design firm specialising in commercial fit-outs for offices and retail spaces.
Primary activities in plain English
Businesses in this class typically engage in:
- Creating visual communication materials like logos, branding, and marketing collateral (graphic design services)
- Designing clothing, accessories, and fashion collections for production or retail (fashion design services)
- Planning and designing interior spaces for homes, offices, or commercial establishments (interior design services)
- Designing jewellery pieces for manufacture or retail sale
- Creating decorative and informational signs for businesses and public spaces
- Designing patterns and prints for fabrics and textiles
- Providing commercial art services for advertising, packaging, or display purposes
Exclusions and nearby codes
Several related design activities are specifically excluded from this classification and belong to other ANZSIC classes:
Architectural services, including landscape architecture and architectural draughting, are classified under ANZSIC 6921. Engineering design and consulting services fall under ANZSIC 6923.
Computer system design and related IT services are classified separately under ANZSIC 7000. Creative arts services including set design, costume design, and theatre lighting design belong to ANZSIC 9002.
Practical guidance
When registering your business with the Australian Business Register, you'll need to select the appropriate ANZSIC classification. For specialised design services, class 6924 is typically the correct category unless your work involves architectural, engineering, or computer system design elements.
For tax purposes, design businesses should maintain records of client work, expenses for materials and software, and any subcontractor payments. Many design businesses operate as sole traders or small companies and may need to register for GST once their annual turnover exceeds $75,000.
Workers' compensation classifications vary by state, but design businesses generally fall under professional or clerical categories. Check with your state's WorkCover authority for specific requirements. Some design businesses may qualify for research and development tax incentives if they're developing new design methodologies or technologies.