This classification system refers to the statistical codes and the classification of economic activities, as developed by the Statistical Office of the European Union (EUROSTAT) in collaboration with the member states. Its structure is based on the International Standard Industrial Classification of all Economic Activities (ISIC) of the United Nation’s Statistical Office.

With Regulation (EU) 2023/137, which amends Regulation (EC) 1893/2006, the Statistical Classification of Economic Activities NACE – Revision 2.1 (NACE Rev. 2.1) is established. The implementation of this new version is mandatory for all Member States and for every statistical survey that collects data by economic activity.

NACE Rev. 2.1 is the outcome of a thorough review process involving national statistical authorities, European institutions, and hundreds of professional associations. Reflecting the technological and economic developments of recent decades and supporting the modernisation of European statistics with more comparable and relevant data, contributes to better economic governance at the international, European and national levels.