PSIC: Pakistan Standard Industrial Classification

PSIC Rev. 4 has operated in Pakistan since 2010. It is identical to the United Nation's ISIC Rev. 4 up to the four-digit (class) level.

Structure of PSIC Rev. 4

PSIC Rev. 4 is structured into five levels, as follows:

• Section: 21 Sections identified by the letters A to U.

• Division: 88 Divisions identified by two-digit numerical codes (01-99).

• Group: 238 Groups identified by three-digit numerical codes (011-990).

• Class: 419 Classes identified by four-digit numerical codes (0111-9900).

• Subclass: 1897 Subclasses of which 1538 are identified by five-digit codes (01301-99009), 88 by six-digit (016110-016490), and 279 by seven-digit codes (011100-0149900).

The table below shows the number of divisions, groups, classes, and subclasses in each section of PSIC Rev. 4. Section C (Manufacturing), Section G (Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles), and Section A (Agriculture, forestry, and fishing) have the highest number of subclasses, with 604, 369, and 163 respectively jointly representing 1136 out of the 1905 or 59.63% of the 1905 subclasses in PSIC Rev. 4.

The subclass detail in the manufacturing sector of PSIC Rev. 4 highlights specific industries that are crucial to Pakistan’s economy and international trade. For instance, class 3230 (Manufacture of sports goods) underscores Pakistan’s global reputation as a leading producer and exporter of high-quality sports equipment. This class is further divided into five-digit subclasses such as 32301 (Manufacture of foot balls), 32302 (Manufacture of rackets, bats), and 32309 (Manufacture of other articles and equipment for sports, outdoor and indoor games, of any material). Notably, Pakistan is one of the world’s largest producers of hand-stitched footballs, with its products used in major international tournaments. Similarly, class 3250 (Manufacture of medical and dental instruments and supplies) reflects another sector where Pakistan plays a significant global role, particularly in the production of surgical instruments. The class includes nine specialized subclasses, such as 32501 (Manufacture of surgical drapes and sterile string and tissue), 32503 (Manufacture of dental laboratory furnaces), and 32505 (Manufacture of medical, surgical, dental or veterinary furniture), as well as 32508 (Manufacture of ophthalmic goods, eyeglasses, sunglasses, lenses ground to prescription, contact lenses, safety goggles). Pakistan is among the top exporters of surgical instruments, particularly to Europe and North America, supporting a robust medical manufacturing cluster.

Reflecting the fundamental role of agriculture in Pakistan’s economy, PSIC Rev. 4 provides extensive subclassification of agricultural activities. Class 0111 (Growing of cereals – except rice – leguminous crops and oil seeds) identifies key crops through eight detailed subclasses, including 0111110 (Wheat), 0111120 (Maize, Grain), 0111130 (Bajra/Millet), and 0111140 (Jowar/Sorghum). These crops are essential to national food security and rural livelihoods. Animal husbandry is also meticulously categorized, highlighting its socio-economic importance. Class 0141 (Raising of cattle and buffaloes) features 29 subclasses, including 0141110 (Ox, adult, 3 years & above), 0141111 (For breeding), 0141112 (For work), 0141230 (Bulls, less than 1 year), and 0141240 (Bulls, between 1 & 3 years). Likewise, class 0142 (Raising of horses and other equines) is detailed with 10 subclasses, such as 0142100 (Raising and breeding of horses including racing horses), 0142110 (Horses, Adult, 3 years & above), and 0142120 (Horses, Young, less than 3 years). These classifications reflect traditional practices as well as emerging commercial opportunities in livestock and equine management.

Classifications Prior to PSIC Rev. 4.

The first classification of economic activities in Pakistan, titled Pakistan standard industrial classification of all economic activities (PSIC-1970), was published in 1970 and was based on ISIC Rev. 2. It was followed by PSIC 2007 which was based on ISIC Revision 3.1. Only parts of the documentation of PSIC 2007 and PSIC 1970 are publicly available.

Resources

• PSIC Rev. 4 (Current) - Manual