424460 - Fish and Seafood Merchant Wholesalers

If you're involved in the wholesale trade of fish and seafood products, understanding NAICS code 424460 is essential. This code specifically identifies businesses engaged in the merchant wholesale distribution of various fresh, frozen, and cured fish and seafood. Whether you're a business owner, supplier, or government contractor, this guide provides detailed insights to help you navigate this dynamic industry sector.

What is NAICS Code 424460?

NAICS Code 424460, titled Fish and Seafood Merchant Wholesalers, classifies establishments primarily focused on the wholesale distribution of fish and seafood products. These businesses typically purchase fish and seafood from processors or importers and sell these products to retailers, restaurants, and other commercial customers.

Sector: Wholesale Trade

This industry operates within the Wholesale Trade sector, which encompasses the distribution of goods to retail, commercial, institutional, or other professional users.

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Industry Description

Key Activities Covered by NAICS 424460:

• Purchasing fish and seafood from processors or importers
• Selling fish and seafood products to retailers, restaurants, and other customers
• Dealing with various types of fish and seafood including fresh, frozen, cured, salted, or preserved (except canned or packaged frozen)

Typical Business Types in This Category:

• Fish and seafood wholesale distributors
• Seafood brokers
• Fish and seafood product wholesalers

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Size Standards for NAICS Code 424460

To qualify under this NAICS code for government contracting and other regulatory purposes, an establishment must not exceed:

• 100 employees

This small business size standard helps determine eligibility for small business programs and contract opportunities.

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Detailed Code Breakdown

Here is a summary table outlining the specific types of merchant wholesalers included under NAICS 424460:

Code Details	Description
Cured fish merchant wholesalers	Wholesalers specializing in cured fish products
Fish (except canned, packaged frozen) merchant wholesalers	Wholesale distributors of fresh or frozen fish, excluding canned/packaged frozen
Fish, salted or preserved (except canned), merchant wholesalers	Distributors of salted or preserved fish, excluding canned
Fresh fish merchant wholesalers	Wholesalers focusing on fresh fish products
Fresh seafood merchant wholesalers	Wholesalers specializing in fresh seafood products
Frozen fish (except packaged) merchant wholesalers	Distributors of frozen fish, excluding packaged products
Frozen seafood (except packaged) merchant wholesalers	Distributors of frozen seafood, excluding packaged products
Seafood (except canned, packaged frozen) merchant wholesalers	Wholesalers dealing in seafood excluding canned or packaged frozen items

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Examples of Businesses Under NAICS Code 424460

• Atlantic Seafood Distributors – Specializing in fresh and frozen fish to restaurants across the East Coast.
• Pacific Fish Brokers – Acting as intermediaries and brokers connecting seafood processors with retail markets.
• Northern Cured Fish Wholesalers – Experts in salted and cured fish products supplied to gourmet food retailers.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What products fall under NAICS 424460?

This classification includes fresh, frozen (except packaged), cured, salted, or preserved fish and seafood products but excludes canned or packaged frozen seafood.

Who are the typical customers of businesses in this industry?

Customers generally include retailers, grocery stores, restaurants, hotels, and other foodservice providers.

Why is NAICS code 424460 important for government contracting?

Government agencies use NAICS codes to categorize businesses for contract awards, certifications, and compliance. Knowing this code helps businesses identify relevant contracting opportunities.

Can a business with more than 100 employees be classified under this code?

No. The small business size standard for NAICS 424460 is 100 employees or fewer to qualify as a small business for contracting and regulatory purposes.

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Conclusion

NAICS code 424460 – Fish and Seafood Merchant Wholesalers – serves as a crucial identifier for businesses engaged in the wholesale distribution of various fish and seafood products. From fresh to cured and frozen varieties, establishments in this category play a vital role in the supply chain to retailers and foodservice industries.

Understanding the definitions, sector scope, size standards, and examples covered here will help businesses position themselves effectively in the wholesale trade market and take full advantage of industry opportunities.

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Keywords: NAICS 424460, Fish and Seafood Merchant Wholesalers, wholesale seafood distribution, fish wholesaler, seafood brokers, wholesale trade sector, fish merchant wholesalers, seafood wholesale distributors, government contracting seafood industry.