# NAICS/SIC Classification API MCP > NAICS/SIC Classification API searches and audits standardized industry codes using your AI client. It lets you look up NAICS (North American Industry) and SIC (Standard Industrial Classification) numbers by keyword or code ID, retrieving full metadata, titles, and hierarchical context instantly. Stop guessing an industry's classification; use this server to verify precise business data for market research and competitive analysis. ## Overview - **Category:** erp-operations - **Price:** Free - **Tags:** industry-classification, naics-codes, sic-codes, market-research, business-data ## Description You're auditing industry codes? You don't guess. Your agent uses the **NAICS/SIC Classification API** server to verify precise business data instantly. This lets you look up North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) and Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) numbers by keywords or code IDs, pulling back full metadata and hierarchical context straight into your chat window. To start, you'll first check the service health; calling `check_api_status` confirms if the NAICS/SIC classification service is running correctly. This tells you whether the server is operational before you try to pull any data. The primary function of this setup is searching: your agent runs `search_naics_codes` when you need to find NAICS codes, simply by passing keywords to the tool; it returns a list of matching North American Industry Classification System identifiers that fit those terms. Separately, if you're tracking historical data or using older standards, calling `search_sic_codes` lets your agent locate Standard Industrial Classification codes based on specific search keywords. These two searching tools give you broad coverage across the industry landscape. Once you get a list of potential identifiers, you might need more than just the code number—you'll need the details. For deep research, your agent uses `get_classification_details` to pull the full description and unique metadata for any specific NAICS or SIC code ID. You provide the code, and it gives you all the background information and context markers associated with that classification. This mechanism ensures you know exactly what a code represents before you trust it. You can structure your workflow around these capabilities: First, you'll check `check_api_status` to confirm connectivity. Next, if you want NAICS codes, you send keywords to `search_naics_codes`, which returns matching identifiers and associated metadata. If you need SIC codes instead, you pass those same keywords into `search_sic_codes`. After you identify a promising code from either search result, you use `get_classification_details` by providing the exact NAICS or SIC ID to retrieve its complete description and all available unique categorization markers. This server lets your AI client audit complex industry data without needing any external portals. When your agent pulls classification codes, it provides both the primary identifier and comprehensive metadata for every result you ask about. You're not just getting a number; you're getting verified context that shows how an industry segment fits into the larger economic structure. It’s perfect for competitive analysis or market research where data integrity is everything. ## Tools ### check_api_status Confirms whether the NAICS/SIC classification service is currently operational. ### get_classification_details Retrieves the full description and metadata for a specific NAICS or SIC code ID. ### search_naics_codes Searches and lists North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes based on keywords. ### search_sic_codes Searches and lists Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes based on keywords. ## Prompt Examples **Prompt:** ``` Search for NAICS codes related to 'software' using Brand.dev. ``` **Response:** ``` I've retrieved several NAICS codes related to software! Notable entries include 511210 (Software Publishers) and 541511 (Custom Computer Programming Services). Would you like the full descriptions for any of these codes? ``` **Prompt:** ``` What is the industry for SIC code '7371'? ``` **Response:** ``` I've identified the industry for SIC 7371! It is categorized as 'Computer Programming Services'. I can provide the full description and related NAICS markers to help you in your classification audit. ``` **Prompt:** ``` Search for SIC codes matching 'manufacturing'. ``` **Response:** ``` I've scanned the SIC catalog for manufacturing! I've identified several matching codes, including those for electronics and machinery production. I can provide the full metadata for any of these identifiers to help you in your research. ``` ## Capabilities ### Search for NAICS Codes The agent finds North American Industry Classification System codes by passing keywords to `search_naics_codes`. ### Search for SIC Codes The agent locates Standard Industrial Classification codes using the `search_sic_codes` tool. ### Retrieve Code Metadata The system uses `get_classification_details` to pull full descriptions and unique identifiers for any given NAICS or SIC code. ### Check API Health You can confirm the service is running correctly by calling `check_api_status`. ## Use Cases ### Comparing NAICS vs. SIC for Historical Data A historical researcher needs to compare how 'financial consulting' was classified in 1980 versus today. They ask their agent: 'What are the SIC codes and what are the modern NAICS equivalents for financial services?' The agent runs both `search_sic_codes` and `search_naics_codes`, delivering a comparative report. ### Classifying a New Startup Niche A B.D. lead is evaluating a new 'AI-powered logistics software' niche. They ask the agent to classify it, running `search_naics_codes`. The API returns codes like 518210 (Data Processing) and 541511 (Custom Computer Programming), allowing the lead to quickly size the market. ### Validating Data Integrity in a Report A data architect is building a dashboard that relies on industry markers. They can't trust manual entries, so they run `get_classification_details` on every code ID to pull the official description and confirm it matches the expected category. ### Checking Market Readiness Before launching a service in a new region, an analyst wants to know if the local market has established codes for 'biotech equipment manufacturing.' They run `search_naics_codes` and verify that relevant identifiers exist before committing resources. ## Benefits - Verify classification details instantly. Calling `get_classification_details` pulls unique identifiers and full descriptions for any code ID, preventing data errors in reports. - Compare taxonomies side-by-side. You can run both `search_naics_codes` and `search_sic_codes` to see how the same industry is categorized under two different official standards. - Avoid manual database searches. Instead of clicking through government portals, you simply ask your agent to 'Find software publishing codes,' and it runs `search_naics_codes` for you. - Stay operational. Before running a major workflow, use `check_api_status` to confirm the service is active, saving time when APIs fail unexpectedly. - Understand code structure. You can audit the hierarchical relationships of industry codes, giving context beyond just a simple list—a task that requires multiple tool calls. ## How It Works The bottom line is you tell your AI client what industry you're interested in, and it handles the API lookups for you. 1. Subscribe to this server and input your Brand.dev API Key. 2. Direct your AI client (Claude, Cursor) to run a specific classification search, like 'Find codes for data processing.' 3. The agent executes the necessary tool calls (`search_naics_codes` or `search_sic_codes`) and delivers the resulting list of identifiers with full metadata. ## Frequently Asked Questions **How do I use search_naics_codes in my workflow?** You prompt your agent with keywords—like 'cloud computing' or 'financial modeling.' It runs `search_naics_codes` and returns a list of relevant NAICS identifiers, which you can then pass to `get_classification_details` for the full description. **Is search_sic_codes better than search_naics_codes?** Neither is inherently 'better.' They are for different standards. Use `search_naics_codes` when you need modern, US-centric market data, and use `search_sic_codes` if your source material relies on older industry classifications. **Can I check the API status before using search_naics_codes?** Yes. Always call `check_api_status` first. This confirms the server is online and ready to receive your complex research requests, preventing workflow interruptions. **What if I get a code ID but need more info than what's listed?** Use `get_classification_details`. If you have a specific NAICS or SIC number, this tool pulls the deep metadata and full description that goes beyond basic search results. **What credentials do I need to run the search_sic_codes tool?** You must provide a valid Brand.dev API key for authentication. The server requires this specific key to access and process standardized NAICS and SIC classification data. **If I use search_naics_codes with keywords that match nothing, what happens?** The tool returns an empty list or a clear 'no results' message. Your agent can then catch this specific response and prompt the user to adjust their search terms. **Are there limits if I use get_classification_details many times in quick succession?** The service adheres to standard API rate limits. We suggest building exponential backoff logic into your agent's workflow to avoid throttling errors during large audits. **How do I link the results from search_naics_codes to get more info?** First, run `search_naics_codes` to compile a list of potential codes. Then, pass those specific code IDs directly into the `get_classification_details` tool for full metadata retrieval. **How do I find my Brand.dev API Key?** Log in to your [**Brand.dev dashboard**](https://brand.dev/), and you will find your API Key in the 'API' section. Copy and paste it below. **What is the difference between NAICS and SIC?** SIC is the older classification system, while NAICS is the modern standard used by North American statistical agencies. Both provide hierarchical metadata for industries. **Can the agent show industry descriptions?** Yes. The `get_classification_details` tool retrieves the official title and detailed description for any valid classification code.