The Indicator from Planet Money · Tuesday, September 29, 2026
Industries seeking a new NAICS code must apply through a public comment process, with decisions made by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Office of Management and Budget. If an application is unsuccessful, the industry must wait another five years to reapply, a process that requires significant effort and time.
“And if you don't have a code, you just get this one window every five years to try to make the case that you need one.”
“And we're not talking easy here. It takes years. You submit a public comment to the government through an online portal. After that, employees from their Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Office of Management and Budget huddle before publicly announcing the winners. If you're not awarded a code, you have to wait another five years and try again.”