If you own or operate a printing business and need your NAICS code, here is your answer right away.
The primary NAICS code for a standard commercial printer is 323111, classified under Commercial Printing (except Screen and Books) in the Manufacturing sector. However, “printing” is a broad term. The right code for your business depends on the specific type of equipment you use and the products you create. This page covers the relevant codes so you can identify the one that fits.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| NAICS Code | 323111 |
| Industry Title | Commercial Printing (except Screen and Books) |
| Sector | 31-33 (Manufacturing) |
| Industry Group | 323 |
| Last Updated | 2022 NAICS Edition (Next NAICS Edition will come in 2027) |
What Does NAICS Code 323111 Cover?
According to the official 2022 NAICS data, code 323111 covers establishments primarily engaged in printing on paper, textile, plastic, and other materials, excluding screen printing and book printing.
In simple terms, this is the code for traditional print shops and commercial printing companies that use offset presses, digital presses, or large-format printers. For printing businesses, this includes:
- Offset and digital printing for business cards, brochures, and flyers
- Printing catalogs, magazines, and periodicals (excluding books)
- Direct mail printing and packaging printing (like boxes or labels)
- Large-format printing for signs, banners, and trade show displays
- Combining graphic design services with commercial printing
The important distinction here is commercial manufacturing. Even though you are providing a service to other businesses, the federal government classifies the physical act of transferring ink onto a substrate as a manufacturing process. This code does not cover printing directly onto apparel using screens, nor does it cover basic office copy services.
Does My Printing Business Qualify for Code 323111?
Your business qualifies for NAICS code 323111 if:
- You operate a commercial print shop using offset, digital, or large-format presses
- Your main source of revenue comes from printing on paper, cardstock, plastic, or similar materials
- You produce standard commercial print products like flyers, brochures, or packaging
Your business may not qualify if:
- You print directly onto apparel (like t-shirts, hoodies, or caps) using silk screens or direct-to-garment machines, which falls under 323113 (Commercial Screen Printing) instead
- Your business specializes in binding or printing books, which falls under 323117 (Books Printing) instead
- You strictly provide prepress services, platemaking, or bookbinding without running the actual printing presses, which falls under 323120 (Support Activities for Printing) instead
- You run a quick-copy shop offering basic document copying, scanning, and office support services, which falls under 561439 (Other Business Service Centers) instead
When your business sits between two codes, always classify based on whichever activity generates the most revenue.
Where Will You Need This Code?
Your NAICS code appears in more places than most print shop owners expect. Here is where code 323111 will be required:
- Commercial Equipment Insurance. This is highly critical. Commercial printing presses, bindery equipment, and paper cutters are incredibly expensive. Insurance providers use this code to calculate your Property and Equipment breakdown premiums, as well as General Liability for fire and chemical risks associated with printing inks and solvents.
- Environmental Permits and Compliance. Printing facilities use chemicals, inks, and solvents that emit Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Local and state environmental agencies use your NAICS code to regulate your air quality permits and hazardous waste disposal.
- SBA Loan Applications. If you need financing to purchase a new digital press, upgrade your bindery equipment, or expand your facility, the Small Business Administration requires your NAICS code to assess your loan eligibility.
- Paper and Supply Vendor Accounts. Wholesale paper distributors and ink manufacturers often require your NAICS code to set up your commercial trade accounts and wholesale pricing.
- Business Registration. Most state and local business registration portals ask for your NAICS code when you set up a new LLC, corporation, or DBA.
323111 in the NAICS Hierarchy
Every NAICS code sits inside a structured hierarchy. Here is exactly where 323111 fits:
| Level | Code | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Sector | 31-33 | Manufacturing |
| Subsector | 323 | Printing and Related Support Activities |
| Industry Group | 3231 | Printing |
| NAICS Industry | 32311 | Printing |
| National Industry | 323111 | Commercial Printing (except Screen and Books) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NAICS code for a custom t-shirt printing business?
If your primary business involves printing logos or designs onto apparel using silk screens, heat transfers, or direct-to-garment (DTG) machines, your correct code is 323113 (Commercial Screen Printing). The government separates this from standard commercial printing due to the different equipment and materials used.
Does 323111 cover a quick-copy shop like FedEx Office?
No. If your business primarily provides self-service copiers, basic document printing, shipping, and office supply retail to walk-in customers, you fall under 561439 (Other Business Service Centers). Code 323111 is for commercial manufacturing facilities running traditional printing presses.
What if my business only does prepress work or bookbinding?
If you prepare plates, proof layouts, or bind printed pages—but you do not actually run the printing presses yourself—you are considered a support activity. Your correct NAICS code is 323120 (Support Activities for Printing).
Is a printing business considered manufacturing?
Yes. The federal government places all printing industries (323) squarely in the Manufacturing sector (31-33). This is because the process of transferring ink onto a substrate to create a new product is classified as a manufacturing transformation, regardless of whether the product is a car part or a brochure.