SBI Code Changes in the Netherlands – check whether yours is correct
What is the SBI code and why does it matter?
The SBI (Standaard Bedrijfsindeling) is a 4- or 5-digit code assigned by KVK. This code describes your company’s primary activity. The code matters because it influences, among other things::
- your eligibility for grants and subsidies,
- whether you fall under a mandatory pension scheme,
- the bank’s decision on a loan or lease,
- the level of your insurance premiums.
Accident reporting and risk assessment also use SBI classification. Thanks to these codes, we know which sectors face incidents more or less often. This helps you apply better preventive measures. It also helps organisations assess risk and adjust safety policies.
Municipalities, banks, insurers, and pension funds use the SBI code to assess your business. Therefore, a wrong classification can mean lost subsidies, refused financing, or even administrative penalties.
Why are the codes changing?
Every 15 years, SBI codes are updated across Europe.
The goal is to reflect current economic reality.
Examples of upcoming changes:
- the split between online and physical shops will disappear,
- the automotive sector will be divided into wholesale, retail, and repair,
- new codes will appear for intermediaries: travel agencies, crypto brokers, and delivery platforms.
Over the last decade, new business models emerged, while some older activities disappeared.
The update simply keeps pace with that shift.
The scale of change
The announced update is wide-ranging:
- 80% of the 2.7 million KVK-registered companies will receive a new code,
- 1.4 million registrations will be assigned more specific activities,
- CBS will update around 170 statistical indicators.
The update will be executed once, during the weekend of 5–7 September 2025.
Registers and databases will update in parallel, so new classifications are available the next day.
What should entrepreneurs do?
Although the change is automatic, KVK asks entrepreneurs to check their entry:
- Log in to Mijn KVK with DigiD and review your activity description and assigned code.
- If the description does not reflect reality, update it now.
This helps avoid an incorrect code during the September change. - After 7 September, check again. If something is wrong, you can correct it yourself.
You can also handle changes via other channels, for example the online/paper “Wijzigen” form.
For verification, you may use the KVK API.
However, Mijn KVK is usually the fastest and most convenient route.
Important: you do not change the code directly.
You update the activity description; KVK then assigns the appropriate code(s).
You may suggest a suitable code to KVK as well.
If you have questions, it’s a good idea to contact your accountant.
They can check whether your KVK data matches your actual activities.
Read how to organise cooperation with your accountant HERE.
At eFaktura.nl, we monitor regulatory changes and encourage caution in tax matters.
For peace of mind, check your activity description and SBI codes before 5 September and after 7 September. It takes a moment and can prevent issues later.
Sources:
kvk.nl
nos.nl
