What is the APE code (NAF code)?

Verified 01 January 2023 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

The EPA code (main activity performed) identifies the main branch of activity of the self-employed worker or business.

EPA means Main activity pursued.

It consists of 4 digits + 1 letter.

It is based on the French national classification of activities: NAF rev. 2. That's why it's sometimes called NAF code.

You can use the following tool to find the APE code for a specific job or activity:

Search for an EPA code in the French activity nomenclature (NAF)

Example :

If you are a hairdresser, your APE code is 96.02A (the same as for a barber).

If you are a driver, your APE code is 49.32Z (the same as for taxis).

If you are a plumber, your EPA code is 43.22A.

If you are an electrician, your APE code is 43.21A.

The APE code identifies the main branch of activity on your company.

The administration determines this based on the primary activity you reported for your company.

This activity must be the one actually carried out.

Please note

If your company has multiple activities, the revenue or headcount for each activity determines the primary activity.

The EPA code determines the collective agreement which applies to your employees.

It must appear on the pay slips employees.

It is allocated automatically by theInsee: titleContent during theregistration company (i.eregistration of a micro-company, or individual business that of a, orregistration of a business).

You have no no request to be carried out to obtain it.

You can find it in your personal area of the Company Formalities Window as soon as your application for registration is accepted.

Company Formalities Window

If you have any questions about the assignment of your numbers and identification code, you can contact Inpi Direct.

If the APE code does not match or no longer matches your company's primary activity, you must request a change.

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Change of activity

Your company's core business has changed.

You have to make a change request your main activity and therefore your EPA code on the company formalities window.

Company Formalities Window

Please note

If your company is a business, you must also think about changing its social purpose.

Correction of an anomaly

You have not changed your activity, but you feel that the EPA code assigned to you should be corrected.

You have to report it to Insee.

Request change of main activity code (EPA code, NAF)