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NACE Industry Classification

NACE is the European classification of economic activities, used to group businesses by what they do — this page explains how it works and how employers and candidates can use it.

For employers. HRHelperG helps define workforce requirements and connect you with suitable recruitment partners — see how it works, request workers and the business ecosystem. Not a recruitment agency; no placement guarantees.

What NACE is

NACE is the statistical classification of economic activities used in the European Union. It organises businesses and organisations into categories according to their main economic activity, providing a common framework for describing industries.

The classification runs from broad sections down to more detailed classes, giving a consistent vocabulary for industry data. Official information is published by the EU statistical authorities that maintain it.

What NACE covers

  • A structured classification of economic activities by sector.
  • Grouping of businesses by their main economic activity.
  • A common framework for describing and comparing industries.
  • A basis for consistent industry data across the European Union.
  • A reference used alongside occupational classifications.

How employers use NACE

  • To identify the activity category that describes their business.
  • To use a recognised framework when describing their sector.
  • To support consistent industry references in planning and reporting.
  • As a neutral reference when comparing activities across the EU.

How candidates use NACE

  • To understand how an employer’s sector is categorised.
  • To relate a company’s activity to a recognised industry group.
  • To compare sectors using a consistent framework.
  • As a neutral reference when interpreting industry descriptions.

Confirm details with the official source

Classifications are revised over time and applied differently in different contexts, and this page is a general explanation. Confirm current structure and definitions with the official EU source that maintains the classification.

Official sources to confirm current rules

Requirements change and specifics vary. Confirm the current position with the official authority for this jurisdiction:

Recruitment partners & our business ecosystem

Depending on the project, country, workforce type and availability, HRHelperG may introduce employers to recruitment partners within its business ecosystem. Recruitment services may be delivered by TNT agency s.r.o. or another suitable recruitment partner where appropriate. HRHelperG is not a recruitment agency and does not guarantee placement, hiring outcomes or candidate availability.

Comparing where to live, work or hire?

Related tools from the HELPERG ecosystem that may help with this:

  • Global City Intelligence — Compare cities and countries on affordability, safety, healthcare and quality of life from official data — useful when deciding where to live, work or build a workforce.

Need workers?

Tell us what roles you need to fill. HRHelperG can help define your workforce requirements and connect you with suitable recruitment partners, including partners within our business ecosystem where appropriate. HRHelperG does not guarantee placement, hiring outcomes, or candidate availability.

Free, printable HR & employment resources

Practical, ungated resources to put this into action — no signup.

About HRHelperG. HRHelperG is an informational and employer acquisition platform — not a recruitment agency. Recruitment services may be provided by suitable recruitment partners where appropriate, including TNT agency s.r.o. or another partner within our business ecosystem. HRHelperG does not guarantee hiring outcomes, worker availability, or placement success. This page is general information only and is not legal, employment, tax or immigration advice.
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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is NACE?

It is the European Union’s statistical classification of economic activities, grouping businesses by their main activity to provide a common framework for industry data.

How is NACE different from ISCO?

NACE classifies economic activities and industries, while ISCO classifies occupations. One describes what a business does; the other describes the work a person performs.

Where is the official NACE information?

It is published by the EU statistical authorities that maintain the classification. Always confirm current structure and definitions there.

Does HRHelperG maintain NACE?

No. HRHelperG is an independent platform and does not maintain any classification. Confirm current definitions with the official EU source.