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NAICS Code for Metal Fabrication

Compiled & reviewed by the EntityCodes Editorial Team (Tech Labs FZ LLC) · Data verified: 2026-06-28

The official U.S. Census 2022 NAICS classification representing Metal Fabrication is primary NAICS code 332313 (Plate Work Manufacturing).

NAICS Classification Details

NAICS Code	332313
Official Title	Plate Work Manufacturing
Primary SIC Equivalent	3443 - Fabricated Plate Work
SBA Size Standard	750 Employees (Basis: Employees)
Census Definition	This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing fabricated metal plate work by cutting, punching, bending, shaping, and welding purchased metal plate.

Disclaimer: Informational only — not legal, tax, or financial advice. SBA size standards and classification data can change. Always verify with official SBA and Census Bureau publications before relying on this information. Read our full Legal Disclaimer.

Understanding the Metal Fabrication Classification

Businesses operating in the Metal Fabrication sector are primarily engaged in plate work manufacturing, structural metal layout, and custom welding services. This industry classification encompasses establishments offering specialized services to corporate clients, small businesses, and individuals. Under the U.S. Census Bureau guidelines, these activities are categorized based on their production processes and service delivery models.

A company's primary NAICS code is determined by where it generates the largest share of its annual receipts. Secondary activities can be mapped to alternate codes to provide a complete profile for credit agencies and compliance registries.

Why This Classification Code Matters

Industrial codes are not merely administrative labels; they dictate how your company is treated by regulatory bodies:

IRS Principal Business Activity (PBA) Reporting: The IRS requires listing your classification code on Schedule C (Form 1040), Form 1065 (Partnerships), or Form 1120 (Corporations) to audit business deductions and monitor economic sectors.
SBA Small Business Eligibility: The SBA uses NAICS size standards to determine whether your business qualifies as a small business entity for federal set-aside contracts and government-backed loans.
SAM.gov System for Award Management: When registering as a federal contractor, you must declare your primary NAICS code to align with procurement solicitations.

How to Register and Use Your Classification Code

Identify Your Primary Activity: Audit your revenue streams. Your primary NAICS code must represent the activity generating the highest percentage of your company's receipts.
Update Your Entity Registrations: Ensure your code is updated in state filings, corporate credit bureaus (like Dun & Bradstreet), and the federal SAM.gov database.
Report on Tax Filings: Enter the six-digit code on the appropriate line of your federal income tax return.

Bidirectional Concordance Crosswalk

To convert your classification between modern and historical databases, use the direct crosswalk link. The primary Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) equivalent is 3443 (Fabricated Plate Work). For a full concordance map, view the NAICS 332313 to SIC 3443 Crosswalk.

Alternate and Sub-Industry Mappings

Depending on specific business functions, your organization may also fall under these alternate classifications:

332710 - Machine Shops

Related Compliance Directories

Compliance Registry Home → 2022 NAICS Directory → 1987 SIC Directory → Industry Mappings Directory → SIC-to-NAICS Crosswalk → Sector 31-33 Hub → SIC Group Major Group 34: Fabricated Metal Products, Except Machinery and Transportation Equipment Directory → NAICS 332313 Profile Page → SIC 3443 Profile Page → Data Provenance Methodology →

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the primary NAICS code for Metal Fabrication?

The official NAICS code representing Metal Fabrication is 332313. The standard industry title is 'Plate Work Manufacturing' under the 2022 Census classifications.

What is the equivalent SIC code for Metal Fabrication?

The primary Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code equivalent for Metal Fabrication is 3443, officially titled 'Fabricated Plate Work' in the 1987 OSHA manual standard.

Are SBA size standards applicable to NAICS code 332313?

Yes, companies operating under NAICS code 332313 are evaluated under SBA size standards to determine small business status. The active standard is 750 Employees (Basis: Employees).

What IRS Principal Business Activity (PBA) code matches Metal Fabrication?

The IRS requires declaring a Principal Business Activity code on Schedule C (Form 1040), Form 1065, or Form 1120. For Metal Fabrication, you should declare 332313 (or the IRS PBA equivalent) derived from NAICS.

Where do I use the NAICS code 332313 in business administration?

This code is mandatory for government contractor entity registration on SAM.gov, federal grant applications, SBA small business loan certification, and private commercial insurance policies.

Can my Metal Fabrication business list secondary classification codes?

Yes. While you must register one primary NAICS code representing the activity generating the majority of your company's revenue, you can list secondary NAICS and SIC codes on SAM.gov.

What is the difference between NAICS and SIC codes for Metal Fabrication?

NAICS (2022) is organized by production processes and is used by all modern federal agencies. SIC (1987) is an older system organized by end products and is still used in historical databases.

How do I verify that my Metal Fabrication company code is correct?

You can verify your classification by auditing your primary source of revenue and checking it against the definitions in the U.S. Census Bureau 2022 NAICS Manual.