Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Numbers:

The easiest way to find wholesalers, retailers, manufactures, and others in the business world; is often to use directories (such as:  Biz-Connect ) that list companies by their SIC numbers or classifications.

Both the United States and Canadian governments have developed "Standard Industrial Classification" systems to classify industries and companies for statistical purposes.   Each system groups industries by broad industry sector, with narrower subdivisions. An "SIC" number (up to 8 digits in length) is assigned to each subdivision.

The SIC systems differ as well. However, the overall similarity of the systems causes confusion. Both systems are called "Standard Industrial Classifications", both use "SIC" numbers, and in some cases they assign the same numbers to sectors and subdivisions.  Both SIC systems are in wide use, because many directories and statistical sources use the SIC numbers as a handy way of classifying information by subject.

The United States SIC system is widely used for this purpose, and many Canadian information sources use the U.S. system in preference to the Canadian SIC system.