The MSME registration asks for the business activity by NIC code. For seed processing for propagation, that activity is 01640.
NIC code · National Industrial Classification 2008
01640 is the 5-digit NIC 2008 code for seed processing for propagation: a sub-class of class 0164, seed processing for propagation, within division 01, crop and animal production, hunting and related service activities. Search a code or activity below, or copy the code for your Udyam or SPICe+ form.
This code
Division 01Group 016Class 0164Sub-class 01640
Seed processing for propagation
Sub-class 01640 · Class 0164 · Group 016 · Division 01 · Section A, NIC 2008
The code
Where the code sits in the National Industrial Classification 2008, from section to sub-class, in the official wording.
016405 digits: 01 + 6 + 4 + 0NIC 2025 · Notice dated 16 October 2026
On 18 November 2025 the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation released NIC 2025, which uses 6-digit codes aligned with the UN's ISIC Revision 5. This page shows the NIC 2008 code 01640. The matching NIC 2025 code will be added here once it is mapped from MoSPI's official concordance.
How to read it
An NIC code is built in layers. Each digit narrows the one before it: the division, the group, the class, and finally the 5-digit sub-class. Divisions themselves are grouped under lettered sections.
The broadest numbered layer. Division 01 covers crop and animal production, hunting and related service activities. It sits in section A, agriculture, forestry and fishing.
Support activities to agriculture and post-harvest crop activities.
Seed processing for propagation. The official note for this class is quoted below.
Seed processing for propagation. The full 5-digit code you enter where a form asks for the business activity by NIC code.
What it covers
01640 is a sub-class of class 0164, seed processing for propagation. The NIC 2008 document explains the class in the note below, quoted exactly.
This class includes all post-harvest activities aimed at improving the propagation quality of seed through the removal of non-seed materials, undersized, mechanically or insect-damaged and immature seeds as well as removing the seed moisture to a safe level for seed storage. This activity includes the drying, cleaning, grading and treating of seeds until they are marketed. The treatment of genetically modified seeds is included here.
This class excludes:
- - growing of seeds, see groups 011 and 012
- - processing of seeds to obtain oil, see 1040
- - research to develop or modify new forms of seeds, see 7210
Where you use it
Two registration forms ask for the business activity by NIC code. This is where 01640 is entered.
The MSME registration asks for the business activity by NIC code. For seed processing for propagation, that activity is 01640.
The company incorporation form asks for the main industrial activity of the proposed company by NIC code.
Not GST. GST registration does not use NIC codes; goods and services there are classified by HSN and SAC codes.
Choosing the right code
01640 is for seed processing for propagation. The codes below sit closest to it in NIC 2008: other classes in group 016. Each has its own page with the official wording.
These belong to other classes in group 016, support activities to agriculture and post-harvest crop activities. 01640 itself is in class 0164. Use the search above for any other code on this page.
Questions
Seed processing for propagation, in the National Industrial Classification 2008. It is a sub-class of class 0164, seed processing for propagation.
In Udyam Registration, which asks for the business activity by NIC code, and in the SPICe+ company incorporation form, which asks for the main industrial activity by NIC code. GST registration does not use NIC codes.
About this page
The section, division, group, class and sub-class on this page, and the explanatory note for class 0164, are taken word for word from the official document “National Industrial Classification (All Economic Activities) 2008”, Central Statistical Organisation, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Government of India.
This is reference information on the classification of a business activity. It is not advice on which code your own business should declare, and the official NIC document prevails if the two ever differ. A change in the classification, including the MoSPI concordance to NIC 2025, re-opens this page for checking.
Not sure which code fits your activity, or spotted a mismatch? Use the WhatsApp button on this page and tell us what the business sells and how.