![NACEBEL](/sites/default/files/styles/ratio_1_1_medium/public/2026-09/iStock-1293604414.jpg.webp?h=6d206900&itok=aLSHQd2Q) [\#NACEBEL-code](/en/news?topic%5B723%5D=723) [\#Retail](/en/news?topic%5B1907%5D=1907) [\#Demonstration sales](/en/news?topic%5B1908%5D=1908)# Retail and demonstration sales: new guidelines for the correct NACEBEL codes 01/09/2026 | Reading time: 3 minutes ![Tanja De Naeyer](/sites/default/files/styles/ratio_1_1/public/2019-09/Tanja%20De%20Naeyer.jpg?h=cead41f2&itok=Do963kAC "Tanja De Naeyer") Tanja De Naeyer Senior Manager Tax & Legal Services [Contact](/en/contact) Since 1 January 2025, the updated NACEBEL 2025 nomenclature has been in effect in Belgium. This nomenclature, which replaces the 2008 version, better reflects today’s economic reality. In practice, however, correctly assigning activity codes is not always straightforward. That is why the FPS Economy has published additional guidance on two common situations: non-specialised retail trade and demonstration sales. ## When is retail trade considered non-specialised? Under the new NACEBEL nomenclature, the **sales method** is no longer relevant. Whether a company sells through a physical store, an online shop or a market stall therefore no longer matters. The activity is determined solely by **the type of products** sold. Within retail trade, a distinction is made between specialised and non-specialised retail trade. Retail trade is considered non-specialised only if the product range includes products from **at least five different classes** within the specialised retail trade groups (47.2 to 47.8): - 47.2 - Retail sale of food, beverages and tobacco products: includes, among other things, the retail sale of fruit and vegetables, bread, pastries and confectionery, beverages, etc. - 47.3 - Retail sale of automotive fuel - 47.4 - Retail sale of information and communication equipment - 47.5 - Retail sale of other consumer goods: includes, among other things, the retail sale of textiles, electrical household appliances, etc. - 47.6 - Retail sale of cultural and recreational goods: includes, among other things, the retail sale of books, sporting goods, games and toys, etc. - 47.7 - Retail sale of other goods, excluding motor vehicles and motorcycles: includes, among other things, the retail sale of clothing, footwear and leather goods, cosmetics and toiletries, etc. - 47.8 - Retail sale of motor vehicles, motorcycles and motorcycle parts and accessories. If the product range covers fewer than five classes, the company is considered a specialised retailer and the individual activity codes corresponding to the products sold must be registered. ## Additional distinction Within the category of non-specialised retail trade, a further distinction is made between the following two activity codes: - 47.110 – Non-specialised retail sale with food and tobacco products predominating; - 47.120 – Other non-specialised retail sale. According to the FPS Economy, activity code 47.110 can only be applied when food and tobacco products account for more than 35% of the added value. If their share is less than 35%, activity code 47.120 applies. ## Demonstration sales: owner or intermediary? The FPS Economy also provides additional guidance on demonstration sales. One question is decisive: does the seller own the products? - **Not the owner?** The activity is then considered an intermediary activity in retail trade. Depending on the product range, code **47.910** (non-specialised retail trade) or **47.920** (specialised retail trade) should be used. - **The owner?** The standard retail trade rules apply, and the activity codes must be selected based on the products sold. ## Do existing companies need to update their codes? The new clarifications are primarily intended for **new registrations** in the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (CBE). Existing companies are not required to make an immediate adjustment if their current activity codes do not fully correspond to the new interpretation. If another change is registered in the CBE at a later date, the NACEBEL codes can be corrected at the same time. Companies that prefer to update their details immediately can, of course, already have a change registered through their accredited business counter. ### In summary The new guidelines provide greater clarity when selecting the correct NACEBEL code. Companies with a broad retail product range or demonstration sales activities would be well advised to review their registration carefully. Do you have any questions about this topic or would you like guidance? We are happy to help. Broaden your knowledge about [\#NACEBEL-code](/en/news?topic%5B723%5D=723) [\#Retail](/en/news?topic%5B1907%5D=1907) [\#Demonstration sales](/en/news?topic%5B1908%5D=1908) Share this news Contact one of our experts [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/ratio_1_1/public/2019-09/Tanja%20De%20Naeyer.jpg?h=cead41f2&itok=Do963kAC) ### Tanja De Naeyer Senior Manager Tax & Legal Services ](/en/contact) [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/ratio_1_1/public/2024-04/Charlotte%20Billiet_Moore_1.jpg?h=aa7fc389&itok=FKzDwtqD) ### Charlotte Billiet Senior Associate Tax & Legal Services ](/en/contact) ## Structured data (JSON-LD) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "NewsArticle", "@id": "https://www.moore.be/en/markdownify/node/5637", "name": "Retail and demonstration sales: new guidelines for the correct NACEBEL codes", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://www.moore.be/sites/default/files/styles/ratio_1_1/public/2026-09/iStock-1293604414.jpg?h=6d206900&itok=KvIEADFm" } }, { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://www.moore.be/en/markdownify/node/5637", "breadcrumb": { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://www.moore.be/en" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "News", "item": "https://www.moore.be/en/news" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Retail and demonstration sales: new guidelines for the correct NACEBEL codes", "item": "https://www.moore.be/en/markdownify/node/5637" } ] }, "inLanguage": "en" } ] } ```