What this class covers
ANZSIC class 7320 categorises businesses that provide packaging services on a contract or fee basis for other companies. These operations specialise in packing, bottling, or preparing goods for distribution without manufacturing the products themselves. The classification applies to businesses that handle packaging as their primary service rather than as part of a manufacturing process.
In Australia, this classification helps distinguish contract packaging specialists from manufacturers who package their own goods. Typical businesses in this class might include a company that contracts with wineries to bottle and label their products, a service that packs fresh fruit for growers to meet supermarket requirements, or a operation that assembles and packages promotional kits for marketing companies. These businesses provide essential support services to various industries by handling specialised packaging needs.
Primary activities in plain English
Businesses in this class typically engage in:
- Folding and packaging clothing and textiles for retailers
- Bottling drinking water, juices, and other non-alcoholic beverages for beverage companies
- Bottling or rebottling wine and spirits for wineries and distilleries
- Contract packing or filling various products into containers for manufacturers
- Building protective wooden crates for shipping delicate items
- Assembling and packaging component kits for electronics or other industries
- Packing fresh fruit and vegetables for growers and wholesalers
- Packaging pharmaceutical and medical products for healthcare companies
- Applying shrink wrap to pallets or products for secure shipping
Exclusions and nearby codes
This classification specifically excludes businesses that manufacture the products they package. For example, wine blending operations are classified under Group 121 Beverage Manufacturing rather than this packaging services class. Similarly, businesses that manufacture drinking liquids fall under Division C Manufacturing classifications.
Pharmaceutical and medical product manufacturing is excluded from this class and instead belongs to Class 1841 Human Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Product Manufacturing. These distinctions are important because they separate manufacturing activities from pure packaging services.
Practical guidance
When registering your business with the Australian Business Register, you'll need to select the appropriate ANZSIC classification. For contract packaging services, ANZSIC 7320 corresponds to Business Industry Code (BIC) 73200. This classification may affect your workers' compensation insurance premiums, as different industries have different risk profiles and premium rates.
Keep accurate records of your packaging services versus any manufacturing activities, as mixing these could lead to incorrect classification. Some industry grants or support programs may be specific to manufacturing versus service providers, so using the correct classification ensures you apply for appropriate programs. When completing Business Activity Statements or tax returns, maintain clear separation between your packaging service revenue and any product sales if you engage in both activities.