When You Need to Change Your SSIC Code
Your SSIC code should always reflect your company's actual business activities. If your business has evolved since incorporation, your original code may no longer be accurate. Common triggers for a change include:
- Business pivot: You started as a consulting firm (70201) but have transitioned to building and selling software (62011).
- New revenue stream: Your wholesale trading company (Division 46) has opened retail outlets, requiring a shift to or addition of a Section G retail code.
- Regulatory requirement: A government agency or licensing body has asked you to update your SSIC to match your licence category.
- SSIC version update: The classification system itself has been revised and your old code has been replaced or restructured.
- Incorrect initial selection: You or your corporate secretary chose the wrong code during incorporation and need to correct it. Working with an experienced incorporation partner can help avoid this from the start.
For background on how SSIC codes work, see our SSIC code guide. If you are deciding between primary and secondary codes, read our primary vs secondary guide first.
Step-by-Step: Changing Your SSIC via BizFile+
Access the ACRA BizFile+ portal at www.bizfile.gov.sg using your company's CorpPass credentials. You must be authorised to make filings on behalf of the company (director, officer or appointed filing agent).
Select "Local Company" under the "Filing" menu, then choose "Make Changes to a Local Company." Enter your company's UEN to proceed.
From the list of available changes, select the option to update your business activity / SSIC code. The system will display your current primary and secondary codes.
Use the built-in search to find the five-digit code that best matches your new activity. You can also browse our classification directory beforehand to identify the correct code.
BizFile+ will ask you to describe your new business activity in your own words. Keep this concise and factual — two to three sentences covering what your company actually does.
Review the filing summary, make payment and submit. You will receive a confirmation email from ACRA once the change is processed.
Processing Times and Fees
Most SSIC code changes are processed within one business day. Straightforward changes (e.g., adding a secondary code) are often reflected within hours. Changes that trigger additional regulatory checks may take longer.
The ACRA filing fee for a change of business activity is S$15 when filed online through BizFile+. Filing through a corporate secretary or professional firm will incur their additional service charges.
After the change is processed, your company's BizFile profile and ACRA business profile will reflect the new SSIC code. You can verify the update by searching for your company on the company directory or on ACRA's public search. Updating your SSIC code is one of several filings that form part of your annual compliance calendar.
Impact on Licences and Permits
Changing your SSIC code does not automatically update or cancel your existing licences. However, it may trigger new requirements or render existing ones redundant:
If your new SSIC code falls under a regulated activity — for example, switching to a financial services code under Section K — you will need to apply for the relevant licence separately. ACRA does not block the SSIC change, but operating without the proper licence is an offence.
If you are no longer conducting the regulated activity, you should apply to cancel or surrender the relevant licence. The SSIC change alone does not terminate your licence obligations.
Changing from one SSIC section to another (e.g., from Section J to Section C — Manufacturing) may affect your eligibility for sector-specific schemes and should be reviewed carefully.
Updating After a Business Pivot
Startups and SMEs in Singapore frequently pivot. A company that began as a marketplace platform might evolve into a SaaS provider, or a food manufacturer might shift into wholesale distribution. When the pivot is substantial enough that your revenue mix has fundamentally changed, you should update your SSIC code.
There is no penalty for changing your SSIC code, and ACRA does not limit the number of times you can make changes. That said, frequent changes — especially between very different sectors — may attract scrutiny from tax authorities or grant agencies, so only update when the change is genuine and material.
If your company now straddles two distinct activities, consider using both a primary and secondary code rather than changing one code repeatedly. See our primary vs secondary SSIC guide for detailed guidance.
Historical SSIC Version Changes
The SSIC classification is periodically updated by the Department of Statistics Singapore (DOS) to reflect changes in the economy. Understanding the version history helps when cross-referencing older company records:
Based on ISIC Rev. 3.1. The baseline version used when BizFile was first launched. Many older companies still carry codes from this version if they have not updated.
Adopted ISIC Rev. 4 structure. Major restructuring of service sector codes, particularly in IT and financial services. Many five-digit codes changed.
The version currently in use. Refined codes for digital economy activities, e-commerce, fintech and platform businesses. All new registrations use SSIC 2020 codes.
If your company was registered before 2020, your SSIC code may have been automatically mapped to the new version. Check your current code on BizFile+ to confirm it is accurate under SSIC 2020.
What Happens to Your Grants If You Change SSIC?
This is a concern many business owners raise. The answer depends on the specific grant and its terms:
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Any authorised officer of the company can file the change directly on BizFile+ using CorpPass. A corporate secretary is not required for this specific filing.
Your SSIC code does not directly determine your tax rate, which is standard at 17% corporate tax for all Singapore companies. However, certain tax incentives (Pioneer Certificate, Development and Expansion Incentive) are tied to specific activities. Consult IRAS or your tax advisor before making a change if you hold any incentive status.
Banks may periodically review your company's ACRA profile. While there is no formal requirement to notify your bank, a significant change (e.g., moving into a high-risk sector) could trigger a KYC review. Proactively informing your relationship manager is good practice.
Use our SSIC code search to find codes by keyword, or browse the full classification hierarchy. Our registration guide also walks through the selection process.
Need to Update Your SSIC Code?
Emerhub's corporate secretarial team can handle SSIC code changes and other BizFile+ filings on your behalf, so you can focus on running your business.