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    311212 - Rice Milling

    The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 311212 represents the Rice Milling industry—a vital segment within the Food Manufacturing sector. This code applies to businesses and facilities specializing in processing raw rice into polished, packaged products ready for consumption. Whether you're a government contractor, industry analyst, or a small business owner exploring opportunities in rice processing, understanding NAICS 311212 is essential.

    What is NAICS Code 311212? – Rice Milling Defined

    NAICS code 311212 encompasses the activities involved in rice milling, which primarily include:

    • Removing the husk and bran layers from raw rice
    • Cleaning, hulling, and polishing rice grains
    • Manufacturing products like head rice, polished rice, rice flour, rice bran, brewers’ rice, and rice mixes
    • Packaging finished rice products for distribution and sale

    In essence, this code covers all stages of transforming raw paddy rice into consumer-ready food products.

    Sector Overview: Food Manufacturing and Rice Milling

    NAICS 311212 falls under the broader Food Manufacturing sector. This sector is responsible for converting raw agricultural goods into consumable food items through various processing activities.

    Typical Business Activities Under NAICS 311212

    • Operating rice processing plants and milling facilities
    • Cleaning, hulling, milling, and polishing rice grains
    • Producing rice flour, rice bran, rice meal, and brewers’ rice
    • Packaging milled and processed rice products for retail and wholesale markets

    Businesses classified under this NAICS code are pivotal in supplying staple food products domestically and internationally.

    Size Standards for NAICS Code 311212 Eligibility

    The Small Business Administration (SBA) defines size standards to determine eligibility for small business programs. For NAICS 311212 (Rice Milling):

    • Maximum number of employees: 750
    • Businesses with 750 or fewer employees typically qualify as small businesses under this NAICS code.

    Understanding this size standard is critical for companies seeking small business certifications or competing for government contracts.

    Examples of Businesses Within NAICS 311212

    • Rice milling plants processing paddy rice into polished grains
    • Facilities specializing in producing rice flour, rice bran, and rice meals
    • Companies packaging rice products like uncooked rice mixes for retail
    • Brewer’s rice manufacturers supplying rice for brewing and other industrial uses

    These types of businesses play a crucial role in the food supply chain, supporting both consumer and industrial markets.

    NAICS 311212 Code Details Table

    Activity/Description Included Under NAICS 311212
    Bran and other residues of milling rice Yes
    Brewers' rice manufacturing Yes
    Cleaning and polishing rice Yes
    Flour, rice manufacturing Yes
    Grain mills, rice Yes
    Head rice manufacturing Yes
    Milling rice Yes
    Polished rice manufacturing Yes
    Rice bran, flour, and meals manufacturing Yes
    Rice cleaning and polishing Yes
    Rice flour manufacturing Yes
    Rice meal manufacturing Yes
    Rice milling Yes
    Rice mixes (uncooked and packaged with other ingredients) Yes
    Rice, brewer's, manufacturing Yes
    Rice, brown, manufacturing Yes

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    What does NAICS code 311212 cover?

    NAICS 311212 covers all processes related to rice milling, including cleaning, hulling, polishing, milling, and packaging of rice and rice-based products.

    Which sector does rice milling belong to?

    Rice milling falls under the Food Manufacturing sector.

    What is the employee size standard for small businesses under NAICS 311212?

    The size standard is 750 employees or fewer to qualify as a small business under this NAICS code.

    What types of products are included in rice milling?

    Products include polished rice, head rice, rice flour, rice bran, brewers’ rice, rice meals, and rice mixes.

    What businesses fall under NAICS 311212?

    Typical businesses are rice milling plants, rice packaging companies, and rice processing facilities.


    Understanding NAICS 311212 is crucial for businesses and contractors involved in the rice processing industry. With this knowledge, companies can better position themselves in government contracting, optimize operations, and capitalize on market opportunities in the vital food manufacturing sector.

    Keywords: NAICS 311212, Rice Milling, Food Manufacturing, Rice Processing, Rice Flour, Rice Packaging, Rice Bran, Brewer’s Rice, Small Business Size Standards, Rice Mills, Polished Rice Manufacturing