Major CoC update of your SBI Code 

In the weekend of September 5 – 8, 2025, the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (CoC) has implemented a major update to the SBI code system (Standard Business Classification).

This change affects every entrepreneur and organization in the Netherlands: the codes that define your company’s activities will be automatically replaced or updated – based on the description of your business activities in the Trade Register.

It is important to note that it is the responsibility of the company’s director to ensure that the description of activities is accurate and up to date.

Why are SBI codes important?

Your SBI code links your company’s activities to a classification used by institutions including banks, insurers, pension funds, government agencies, and subsidy providers.

This classification has a direct impact on:

• Access to relevant subsidies or tax incentives.
• Correct collective labor agreement (CLA), pension, and insurance arrangements.
• Assessment of financing applications and banking relationships.
• Eligibility for contracts, tenders, and permits that depend on sector classification.

A correct SBI code ensures that your company is recognized in line with its actual business operations.

What changed in September 2025?

Every fifteen years, the SBI framework undergoes a full revision. In this revision, new economic activities – such as sustainability, platform services, and hybrid online/offline business models – have been added or updated.

The CoC has automatically assigned new codes, but only based on your current business activity description. If that description is outdated, too narrow, or too broad, your company may be registered with an incorrect SBI code.

Risks of an incorrect SBI code

An incorrect classification may result in:

• Loss of access to subsidies or tax advantages.
• Difficulties obtaining financing or maintaining bank relationships.
• Incorrect or higher insurance premiums, or even lack of coverage.
• Wrong CLA or pension arrangements.
• Missed opportunities in tenders or permit applications.
• Legal and fiscal risks due to inconsistencies with your articles of association.

In other words: a seemingly minor administrative oversight can have major business consequences.

How can Maprima help?

At Maprima, we support entrepreneurs every day with compliance, legal structures, and administrative obligations. We can assist you by:

• Reviewing and updating your business activity description.
• Assessing the impact of a revised SBI code on financing, insurance, and contracts.
• Identifying potential legal or tax risks and advising on how to mitigate them.
• Communicating with banks, investors, or other stakeholders where needed.

Conclusion

The September 2025 revision is a crucial moment for every business. Taking timely action ensures that your SBI code continues to work for your company, not against it.

Not sure whether your description and SBI code still reflect your actual business activities? Contact Maprima – we’ll be glad to help you review and safeguard this process.