History

Economic FAQs

When did the U.S. Census Bureau begin using NAICS?

The Census Bureau first used the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) during the economic census in 1997. For more information about NAICS, visit the Classifying Businesses Web page.

President Clinton signed the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) into law on December 8, 1993.
The North American Industry Classification System was developed between the United States, Canada,
and Mexico so the three countries could directlry compare industrial production statistics.
Photo courtesy of the National Archives