42446 - Fish and Seafood Merchant Wholesalers
The seafood industry plays a vital role in the global food supply chain, and businesses involved in the wholesale distribution of fish and seafood products contribute significantly to this sector. NAICS Code 42446 specifically addresses the wholesale trade of fish and seafood, an essential classification for companies engaged in this specialized market. Whether you're a business owner, supplier, or government contractor, understanding NAICS 42446 can unlock new opportunities and help you navigate compliance and eligibility in this niche.
What is NAICS Code 42446?
NAICS Code 42446 refers to Fish and Seafood Merchant Wholesalers. This industry classification includes establishments primarily focused on the merchant wholesale distribution of fish and seafood products. Businesses under this code purchase their inventory from fish processors or importers and sell directly to retailers, restaurants, and other commercial consumers.
Sector: Wholesale Trade
NAICS 42446 falls under the broader Wholesale Trade sector, which encompasses businesses involved in the sale of goods to other businesses rather than directly to consumers. This sector enables efficient supply chains, ensuring products move smoothly from producers to end-users.
Typical Business Activities:
- Purchasing fish and seafood products from processors or importers
- Wholesale distribution of a wide range of fish and seafood species
- Acting as brokers or agents facilitating seafood sales
- Supplying fish markets, grocery stores, seafood restaurants, and institutional buyers
- Ensuring quality control and compliance with food safety regulations during distribution
Size Standards for Eligibility
For government contracting or small business classification purposes, the Small Business Administration (SBA) typically defines size standards by annual receipts or number of employees. For NAICS 42446:
- Size Standard: $38.5 million in average annual receipts
Note: Always verify current size standards through the SBA as these can be updated.
Qualifying as a small business under these guidelines can allow firms to participate in set-aside contracts and access resources aimed at fostering growth.
Examples of Businesses under NAICS Code 42446
- Fish and seafood wholesale distributors
- Seafood brokers acting as intermediaries between processors and retailers
- Businesses specializing in wholesale fish fillets, frozen seafood products, and shellfish
- Companies supplying commercial kitchens, seafood markets, and grocery chains
NAICS Code 42446 - Fish and Seafood Merchant Wholesalers Details
| NAICS Code | Title | Sector | Description | Size Standard (SBA) | Typical Business Activities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 42446 | Fish and Seafood Merchant Wholesalers | Wholesale Trade | Establishments primarily engaged in merchant wholesale distribution of fish and seafood products | $38.5 million average annual receipts | Wholesale fish and seafood distributors, brokers, commercial sales |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What products are included under NAICS 42446?
A1: This code covers fish, shellfish, crustaceans, and other seafood products sold wholesale, including fresh, frozen, canned, or processed seafood items.
Q2: Can a seafood retailer fall under this NAICS code?
A2: No, retail seafood sale establishments fall under a different NAICS code. 42446 specifically covers merchant wholesalers who sell to retailers or commercial users but do not sell directly to consumers.
Q3: How can businesses verify their NAICS code?
A3: Businesses can search the official NAICS website or consult the U.S. Census Bureau to find their appropriate code based on core business activities.
Q4: Why is understanding NAICS codes important?
A4: NAICS codes help classify businesses for government contracting, economic analysis, and eligibility for small business programs.
Q5: Are international seafood importers included in NAICS 42446?
A5: Importers selling seafood wholesale as primary business operations may be included; however, pure import activities may fall under separate codes depending on the nature of operations.
Conclusion
NAICS Code 42446 serves as a crucial identifier for businesses involved in the wholesale distribution of fish and seafood. Understanding this classification benefits companies seeking government contracts, partnerships, or market opportunities within the seafood wholesale industry. By familiarizing yourself with the scope, sector, size standards, and typical business activities, you can better position your business for success in this dynamic wholesale trade niche.
Keywords: NAICS Code 42446, Fish and Seafood Merchant Wholesalers, wholesale seafood distributors, seafood brokers, wholesale trade sector, SBA size standards seafood industry, government contracting seafood wholesalers
