Imagine this: you get into your car, enter a known destination, but your navigation system suddenly chooses a completely different route. Not because you are doing something wrong, but because the entire road network has changed. Something similar awaits companies in The Netherlands. This is because from September 1, 2025, CBS will implement a new version of the Standard Business Classification (SBC). This update will change the way companies are classified based on their activities - and that will affect how organizations are categorized and assessed.
Why this SBC update is needed
SBC codes indicate the industry in which a company operates. They are essential in sector analyses, risk assessments and KYC processes, among other things. From September 2025, CBS will introduce a new classification: SBC 2025.
The new format better reflects the modern economy, in which more and more companies are operating in emerging sectors. Think of platform companies like Thuisbezorgd, fintech companies like Adyen that develop digital payment solutions, or sustainable initiatives like Vandebron that focus on renewable energy. These kinds of companies no longer always fit into traditional boxes and therefore require modern and flexible classification.
What are the effects on your processes and systems?
The SBC update is much more than an administrative adjustment. The impact affects multiple departments and processes within organizations:
- Sector comparisons may change due to rearranged classifications
- Risk models or client profiles may give different outcomes
- Segmentations in CRM or ERP systems can become inaccurate
- Analyses and reports may continue to be based on outdated data
- External data links may temporarily not match properly
It is essential to know how dependent your processes are on SBC information, and how to anticipate it.
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What you can do right now to be prepared
By anticipating the changes in time, you avoid noise in systems and processes. This is what you can do right now:
- Identify where and how your organization is using SBC codes
- Inform colleagues from relevant departments (Risk, Compliance, Sales, IT)
- Check if your data providers are moving along
- Update internal systems where necessary
Interesting read: How do you implement credit risk screening in your organization
Don't stay behind, but anticipate smartly
The update of SBC codes is an important step toward more future-proof and accurate business categorization. The impact will be widely felt, from risk and customer profiles to internal systems and external data links. By identifying now how your organization depends on SBC codes and by making timely adjustments, you will avoid problems and establish a solid foundation for the future.
Curious about the new SBC codes? Check out the full list here
