SIC Code
SIC (Standard Industrial Classification) codes are 4-digit numerical codes classifying businesses by industry — established by the US government in 1937 and still widely used in MCA lead filtering despite the official 1997 transition to NAICS coding.
Why This Matters
SIC codes remain the dominant industry classification system in MCA lead filtering because of legacy business-data systems and clearer industry-level segmentation than NAICS. MCA funders use SIC codes to define eligible industries (avoiding restricted sectors like firearms, adult entertainment, gambling) and to apply industry-specific underwriting (higher factor rates for trucking and restaurants, lower for medical and professional services). Lead vendors enable SIC-based filtering down to 4-digit specificity, producing inventory like 'SIC 5812 Eating Places — restaurants only' for industry-targeted campaigns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between SIC and NAICS?
SIC is the older 4-digit system (1937), NAICS is the newer 6-digit system (1997) with finer industry granularity. Both remain in use — SIC for legacy compatibility and broader industry segmentation, NAICS for precise government and statistical reporting.
What MCA-restricted SIC codes should I exclude from lead lists?
Common funder restrictions: SIC 5993 (cigarette stores), 5921 (liquor stores variable by funder), 5912 (drug stores variable), 7993 (gambling), 8361 (residential care variable), 5681 (firearms variable). Each funder maintains specific restricted-industry lists.