The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is the standard framework used by government agencies in the United States, Canada, and Mexico to categorize business establishments for statistical analysis and administrative purposes. Identifying the appropriate NAICS code defines a company’s industry in the eyes of federal and state entities. Correct classification is necessary for accessing specific government programs, grants, and contracts tailored to particular industry sectors. This code serves as an identifier that aligns a business with its primary economic activity.
The Specific NAICS Code for Janitorial Services
The definitive NAICS code for establishments primarily engaged in providing janitorial services is 561720, designated as “Janitorial Services.” This six-digit code encompasses businesses that offer general cleaning, maintenance, and trash disposal services for the interiors of commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings. Services under this classification also include housekeeping, custodial services, and the interior cleaning of transportation equipment such as aircraft and rail cars.
Understanding the NAICS Classification System
The structure of the NAICS code is hierarchical, with each digit providing a more granular level of detail about a company’s economic activity. The first two digits, 56, identify the broad economic sector: “Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services.” This sector groups businesses that perform routine support activities for other organizations. The subsequent digits narrow the focus: 561 is the subsector “Administrative and Support Services,” and 5617 is the industry group “Services to Buildings and Dwellings.” The final six-digit code, 561720, provides the highest level of specificity, allowing government agencies to accurately track and compare industry data.
Distinguishing Between Related Cleaning Services
Many cleaning businesses offer a variety of services, and understanding where certain specialties fall within the NAICS structure is important for accurate reporting. While general window cleaning is covered under the Janitorial Services code 561720, specialized services that fall outside of general interior maintenance are classified differently. This distinction prevents the misclassification of a business that focuses on a niche area.
Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning
Businesses that focus on deep cleaning and dyeing rugs, carpets, and upholstery are classified under NAICS code 561740, “Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Services.” This code applies to establishments that specialize in treating fabrics, often on the customer’s premises. This targeted service separates it from general janitorial activities, which focus on routine interior upkeep.
Window Cleaning Services
Window cleaning is included within the scope of the 561720 Janitorial Services code, particularly when it is part of a larger contract for building interior maintenance. If a company focuses exclusively on highly specialized exterior window cleaning, such as on high-rise buildings, it might align with other exterior maintenance codes. The inclusion of window washing under 561720 reflects its common role in general custodial contracts.
Building Exterior Cleaning Services
Exterior maintenance, excluding window cleaning and sandblasting, falls under NAICS code 561790, “Other Services to Buildings and Dwellings.” This category captures activities like power washing building facades, chimney sweeping, ventilation duct cleaning, and gutter maintenance. The services grouped under 561790 are non-routine, specialized maintenance tasks for the building’s shell and associated systems.
Practical Applications of Your NAICS Code
Selecting the correct NAICS code has direct operational and strategic consequences for a business. The code determines eligibility for many programs offered by the Small Business Administration (SBA), which sets size standards based on classification. For instance, a janitorial firm’s ability to qualify for an SBA loan or specific contracts depends on the size standard linked to code 561720. The NAICS code is also mandatory for government contractors registering on federal platforms like the System for Award Management (SAM.gov). Furthermore, the code allows a business to benchmark its performance against industry averages using government statistical reports, aiding market research and analysis.