Section M

Section M of the SIC 7 covers professional, scientific and technical activities, with 24 SIC codes describing the specialised, knowledge-based services that support every other sector of the economy. This section is home to legal practices, accounting and auditing firms, management consultancies, architectural and engineering practices, scientific research and development, advertising and market research, specialised design, photography, translation and interpretation, and veterinary services.

Each SIC code page on the site shows the official Stats SA description, the parent division (69 to 75), the SETA allocation — most often Services SETA, with FASSET for accountants and auditors, and HWSETA for veterinarians — and links to related OFO occupation codes and NQF qualifications for attorneys, accountants, engineers, architects, scientists, designers and consultants.

Use Section M when registering a professional services firm with CIPC, applying for a SAICA, IRBA, ECSA, SACAP, LPC or other professional body registration, submitting workplace skills plans, claiming Section 11D research and development tax incentives, or preparing the relevant sector B-BBEE scorecard. The classification is also crucial for SARS industry coding and for distinguishing between client-facing professional services and internal corporate functions.

Whether you run a law firm, an audit practice, an engineering consultancy, a research institute, an ad agency or a design studio, Section M gives you the correct SIC reference and connects it to the broader skills, tax and regulatory landscape.