> For clean Markdown of any page, append .md to the page URL.
> For a complete documentation index, see https://docs.middesk.com/online-presence/industry-classification/llms.txt.
> For AI client integration (Claude Code, Cursor, etc.), connect to the MCP server at https://docs.middesk.com/_mcp/server.

# Verify business industry classification

> Use Middesk Industry Classification to classify a business into specific industry categories using a website URL, or a business name and address.

Middesk Industry Classification verifies what industry a business operates in by analyzing its name, address, and website. The product generates classification labels and prediction scores you can use to confirm what the business does and identify if they operate in high-risk, prohibited, or regulated industries.
This guide describes how to run an industry classification request.

#### Submit a classification request

Industry Classification analyzes a business's online presence to verify its industry.
To submit a classification request:

* Use the API for automatic classifications
* Use the Middesk [Dashboard](https://app.middesk.com/) for one-off classifications
* Order as part of a Business or as a standalone website order

Provide the following information:

| Field            | Required?                                                  | Type   | Description                      |
| ---------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------- | ------ | -------------------------------- |
| Business Name    | No (required if no website URL is provided)                | string | The name of the business.        |
| Business Address | No (required if no website URL is provided)                | object | The address of the business.     |
| Website          | No (required if no business name and address are provided) | object | The website URL of the business. |

> **Note**
>
> If you combine an industry classification order with other order types (such as `business_verification_verify`), the name and address may still be required by those other orders.

For example, if a business claims to be a consulting firm but their website shows they primarily offer cryptocurrency trading services, Industry Classification flags this discrepancy and returns the appropriate risk categories.

#### Review classification results

Industry Classification returns category labels and prediction confidence scores for each industry the business may operate in.

See the complete [list of industry categories](/online-presence/industry-classification/prohibited-categories).

### Classification systems

Industry Classification uses three classification systems to categorize businesses:

#### Prohibited categories

High-risk and regulated industries that may require additional screening or compliance measures. Middesk returns these categories for all classification requests, regardless of whether you provide a website URL.

Examples include:

* Adult content
* Cannabis
* Gambling
* Cryptocurrency
* Multi-level marketing

See the complete [list of prohibited categories](/online-presence/industry-classification/prohibited-categories).

#### NAICS and SIC codes

Standard industry classification codes used for general business categorization. NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) codes may be cross-walked with SIC (Standard Industrial Classification) codes.

Middesk returns these classifications regardless of whether you provide a website URL.

Check the [official NAICS website](https://www.naics.com/search/) for examples in each category, or see the [supported NAICS/SIC codes](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1hCyl6YkAvtc2KXRlTHQobt4e9e58mtGvMo7lT5QtpSY/edit?usp=sharing).

#### MCC codes

Merchant Category Codes used primarily for payment processing and card network categorization. Middesk returns these classifications regardless of whether you provide a website URL.

See the [supported MCC codes](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1hCyl6YkAvtc2KXRlTHQobt4e9e58mtGvMo7lT5QtpSY/edit?usp=sharing).

> **Get a demo**
>
> Contact your account manager or [contact sales](https://www.middesk.com/contact-sales) to inquire about access.

> Use Middesk Industry Classification to classify a business into specific industry categories using a website URL, or a business name and address.

## Docs

- [Industry classification object](https://docs.middesk.com/online-presence/industry-classification/classification.md): Describes the contents of an industry classification record.
- [Prohibited categories](https://docs.middesk.com/online-presence/industry-classification/prohibited-categories.md): Complete list of prohibited and high-risk industry categories that Middesk Industry Classification can identify.
- [Industry classification review tasks](https://docs.middesk.com/online-presence/industry-classification/review-tasks.md): Understand the review tasks for industry classification.