Do you do business with Dutch businesses as a Belgian company? Then it's good to know that something big is changing in the Netherlands. Starting September 1, 2025, the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) will introduce an updated version of the SBC code: SBC 2025. This system determines in which sector a company is classified based on its activities.
At first glance, this seems like a solely Dutch matter, but nothing could be further from the truth. Belgian companies can also feel the effects of this change, especially if you use Dutch customer data for risk analysis, segmentation or reporting.
What exactly is an SBC code?
The SBC code (Standard Business Classification) is the Dutch variant of the NACE code used in Belgium. Both systems classify companies based on their economic activity and form the basis for sector analyses, risk assessments and data links in systems such as CRM or ERP.
With SBC 2025, the classification is adapted to today's economical reality. Think of platform companies like Thuisbezorgd, fintech players like Adyen or renewable energy initiatives like Vandebron. These companies fit more into the traditional categories and are now given a more clear position within the new classification.
A similar update is also planned in Belgium: NACE-BEL 2025. From January 2025, Belgium will gradually move to a new version of the classification, with adjustments being made for each static domain.
Interesting read: Navigating change: what the new NACE-BEL codes mean for your organization
What does this mean for you as a Belgian organization?
Do you work with Dutch customers, suppliers or company data? If so, it is important to be alert. This change could have an impact on, among other things:
- Risk models: companies may move into a different sector, affecting analyses and customer ratings.
- Commercial segmentation: classifications based on old SBC codes may no longer reflect the current situation.
- Data links: systems working with old codes can cause errors in automatic matches.
- Reports: sector comparisons and analyses based on historical data may become less reliable.
Here's how to prepare now
By taking action early, you will prevent errors in your processes and systems. These are steps you can take today:
- Map where SBC codes are used: For example, CRM systems, reports, dashboards and risk models.
- Inform relevant departments: make sure colleagues are aware of the impact of this change.
- Prepare your systems for this change: make sure your internal processes and data sources are ready to accommodate the new classifications.
Small change, big impact
What at first glance may seem like a technical change in the Netherlands may in practice have major consequences for Belgian companies working with Dutch companies. Especially if your organization relies heavily on reliable sector information from the Netherlands. This change directly affects how you interpret data, assess risks and make commercial decisions.
By considering the potential impact on your systems, analytics and data streams now, you avoid noise, mismatches and delays later.
Curious about the new SBC codes? View the full list here.
