NAICS Code for Internet Sales

Primary Internet Sales Codes

Sales Type	NAICS Code	Industry Title
General/Miscellaneous Goods	455219	All Other General Merchandise Retailers
Used General Merchandise	459510	Used Merchandise Retailers
Department Store/Large Variety	455110	Department Stores
Electronic Auctions	455219	All Other General Merchandise Retailers

---

What Does NAICS Code 455219 Cover?

According to the official 2022 NAICS data, code 455219 covers establishments primarily engaged in retailing new general merchandise (except department stores, warehouse clubs, superstores, and supercenters). Crucially, this code now includes the majority of Internet retail sales sites.

In simple terms, this code applies to e-commerce businesses that sell a broad array of new products. This includes:

• Internet Retail Sales Sites: Websites selling a variety of new general merchandise.
• Electronic Auctions: Online platforms where users bid on general merchandise.
• General Merchandise Trading Posts: Online or physical shops with a wide variety of non-specialized goods.
• Internet Auctions: Operating auction sites for new and used general goods.

Note: If you sell a specific type of product (e.g., only shoes, only clothing, or only electronics), you should use the retail code for that specific product category regardless of whether you sell it online or in a physical store.

---

Does My Online Business Qualify for Code 455219?

Your business qualifies for NAICS code 455219 if:

• You sell a wide variety of new goods via the internet.
• No single line of merchandise (like apparel or electronics) accounts for the majority of your sales.
• You operate an online auction platform for general merchandise.

Your business may not qualify if:

• You Sell Specific Goods: If you only sell clothing (458110), shoes (458210), or vitamins (456191), use those specific retail codes.
• You Sell Used Goods: If your primary revenue comes from selling used items online, use 459510.
• You are a Wholesaler: If you sell goods in bulk to other businesses (B2B) rather than to the general public, you belong in Sector 42 (Wholesale Trade).
• You are an Agent/Broker: If you do not take title to the goods but simply arrange sales for others for a commission, use 425120.

---

Where Will You Need This Code?

Your NAICS code is a critical identifier for e-commerce and digital businesses. Here is where code 455219 will be required:

SBA Loan Applications. The Small Business Administration requires your NAICS code on all loan applications. Lenders use it to evaluate the risk associated with online retail and determine eligibility for e-commerce-friendly financing.

Business Registration. Most state and local registration portals ask for your NAICS code when you set up your LLC or Corporation. This helps the state track economic activity in the digital sector.

Tax Filings and Compliance. The IRS uses your NAICS code on Schedule C to categorize your business income. It allows them to compare your financial benchmarks against other general online retailers.

Merchant Accounts and Payment Processing. Many payment processors (like Stripe or Square) ask for your NAICS code to assess the risk of your “Card Not Present” transactions and set your processing limits.

Business Insurance. Insurance providers use your NAICS code to determine your risk category for general liability and cyber liability insurance, which are essential for internet-based businesses.

---

455219 in the NAICS Hierarchy

Every NAICS code sits inside a structured hierarchy. Here is exactly where 455219 fits:

Level	Code	Title
Sector	44-45	Retail Trade
Subsector	455	General Merchandise Retailers
Industry Group	4552	Warehouse Clubs, Supercenters, and Other General Merchandise Retailers
NAICS Industry	45521	Warehouse Clubs, Supercenters, and Other General Merchandise Retailers
National Industry	455219	All Other General Merchandise Retailers

Also Read:

• NAICS Code for Recycling
• NAICS Code for Medical Devices
• NAICS Code for Real Estate Rental
• NAICS Code for Real Estate Management
• NAICS Code for Tattoo Artist
• NAICS Code for Lyft
• NAICS Code for Renewable Energy
• NAICS Code for Printing Services