New NACE codes: what does this mean for my company?

The FPS Economy has updated the definitions of the current NACE codes that describe company activities. Additionally, it has assigned a new unique NACE code to all activities, effective from 28 March 2025.

This AI-generated translation may contain errors and should not be considerd legal advice. For accurate info, refer to the Dutch or French version or consult your Securex Legal Advisor.

Why is a NACE code necessary?

NACE codes have been in use since 2008 to facilitate the registration of a company's activities with various administrations, to generate statistics on economic activities, and to inform customers and suppliers about the activities in which your company is engaged.

The conversion of existing NACE codes from 2008 to the new NACE codes is managed by the various administrations. You do not need to take any action yourself. If you still notice an error, please adjust your data.

Read more: a new nomenclature of economic activities | FPS Economy Newsroom

A maximum of 5 main activities

In addition to the introduction of new NACE codes, the FPS Economy has also imposed a limit on the number of main activities that can be registered per establishment.
Until recently, there was no limit on the number of main activities you could register. As of 28 March 2025, you may only register a maximum of five activities as main activities per establishment.

As an entrepreneur, you must take the following steps today:

Visit the CBE and search for your company:
Check how many activities are currently listed as main activities in each establishment of your company.
Verify whether the correct activities are registered in the establishment and with other administrations, such as VAT.
Contact your Securex company desk if adjustments (number of main activities, including the correct activities) need to be made.

Important
A correct description of your activities is essential. It is not only a legal requirement but also helps prevent issues in obtaining grants, permits, and in legal proceedings. Ensure that all information is up-to-date; contact us today.

The activities of my company in the establishment

In an establishment (defined as the address where at least one activity of the company is conducted or from where the activity is managed), both main and secondary activities can be registered:

Main activity: This is the activity that currently generates the highest turnover, requires the most full-time equivalents, or meets another relevant criterion determined by the entrepreneur (with proof). Each establishment must have at least one and a maximum of five main activities.
Secondary activity: This refers to any other activity, apart from the main activity, of the establishment that leads to the production of goods or services for third parties.

If you find that you have too many main activities upon reviewing your registration in the CBE, you can take the following actions:

Identify which activities can be removed because they are no longer being conducted.
Determine which activities can be converted into secondary activities (there is no limit on the number of secondary activities).

Our tip
The registered activities must actually be carried out. Activities that you plan to perform in the future do not need to be registered. Activities that you no longer perform should be removed.

The conversion of my activities by VAT

Active VAT activities that were previously registered with a NACE-BEL code 2008 have been converted to a NACE-BEL code 2025 by the VAT administration.

How were these conversions carried out?

The VAT activities that started before 1 January 2025

The VAT administration has terminated the active VAT activities with a NACE-BEL code 2008 and a start date before 1 January 2025 on 31 December 2024 and converted them to the NACE-BEL code 2025. These activities now have a start date of 1 January 2025.

The VAT activities that started on 1 January 2025 or later

These activities were registered with a NACE-BEL code 2008. The VAT administration has cancelled them and replaced them with an activity with a NACE-BEL code 2025. The start date of the activity remains unchanged.

What can you do if an error has occurred?

If you find that the conversion of the VAT activities is incorrect or incomplete, please submit a declaration for modification of VAT identification (form 604B) as soon as possible. This will allow you to terminate an incorrect activity or add a missing activity.