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    42499 - Other Miscellaneous Nondurable Goods Merchant Wholesalers

    When navigating the vast world of wholesale trade, understanding specific NAICS codes helps businesses, contractors, and suppliers pinpoint where they fit in the market. One often overlooked but significant code is NAICS 42499 – Other Miscellaneous Nondurable Goods Merchant Wholesalers. This category captures a diversity of wholesalers distributing nondurable goods that don’t fall into more common classifications, making it a crucial niche in the wholesale industry.

    What is NAICS Code 42499?

    NAICS Code 42499 covers establishments primarily engaged in the wholesale distribution of miscellaneous nondurable goods that are not specifically classified elsewhere. These goods are typically consumable or have a shorter life span and include various products such as tobacco and paper products. This NAICS classification fills the gaps left by more narrowly defined wholesaling categories, ensuring all types of miscellaneous nondurable goods distributors have a clear industry identification.

    Sector: Wholesale Trade

    NAICS 42499 belongs to the larger Wholesale Trade sector, which includes businesses involved in the resale of goods to retailers, industrial, commercial, institutional, or professional users, or to other wholesalers. Specifically, this code zeroes in on those wholesalers that handle a diverse range of nondurable goods, often including:

    • Tobacco products
    • Paper and disposable paper products
    • Miscellaneous nondurable goods not elsewhere classified

    Typical Business Activities under NAICS 42499:

    • Wholesaling tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco
    • Distributing paper products like office paper, paperboard, and packaging materials
    • Handling various miscellaneous nondurable goods, including sundries and other consumer goods with short lifespans

    Size Standards for NAICS 42499

    Understanding the small business size standards helps businesses and government agencies recognize eligibility for contracts, loans, and assistance programs. The SBA size standard for NAICS code 42499 is based on annual receipts:

    NAICS Code Title Sector Size Standard (Receipts)
    42499 Other Miscellaneous Nondurable Goods Merchant Wholesalers Wholesale Trade $30 million (annual receipts)

    To qualify as a “small business” under NAICS 42499, the company’s annual receipts must not exceed $30 million.

    Examples of Businesses Under NAICS 42499

    • Tobacco Product Wholesalers: Firms distributing cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco-based products to retail outlets or manufacturers.
    • Paper Product Wholesalers: Businesses supplying office paper, tissue, paper towels, and other disposable paper goods to commercial users.
    • Miscellaneous Nondurable Goods Wholesalers: Companies dealing in a variety of other consumable goods such as party supplies, disposable tableware, and sundries that do not fit other specific wholesale trade classifications.

    NAICS Code 42499: Quick Reference Table

    Data Point Details
    NAICS Code 42499
    Title Other Miscellaneous Nondurable Goods Merchant Wholesalers
    Sector Wholesale Trade
    Description Establishments primarily engaged in the wholesale distribution of miscellaneous nondurable goods not classified elsewhere
    Typical Products Tobacco, paper products, miscellaneous consumables
    Size Standards $30 million (annual receipts)
    Related Industries NAICS 4241 (Paper & Paper Product), NAICS 4248 (Beer, Wine, and Distilled Alcoholic Beverage Wholesalers)

    FAQ: NAICS 42499

    Q1: What kinds of goods are considered “nondurable” under this code?
    A: Nondurable goods are products that have a short lifespan, generally consumed or used up quickly. Examples include tobacco products, paper supplies, and other miscellaneous consumables.

    Q2: How is NAICS 42499 different from other wholesaling codes?
    A: NAICS 42499 is a catch-all category for wholesalers dealing in miscellaneous nondurable goods that do not fit into other more specific NAICS wholesaling codes.

    Q3: Why is knowing the NAICS code important for businesses?
    A: Knowing your NAICS code helps with government contracting eligibility, industry data analysis, and business classification within markets.

    Q4: What is the SBA size standard for businesses in this industry?
    A: A business is considered small if its annual receipts do not exceed $30 million under NAICS 42499.

    Q5: Can multiple product types fall under NAICS 42499?
    A: Yes, this code covers a variety of nondurable goods wholesalers who distribute products not classified elsewhere, making it a diverse category.


    Understanding NAICS Code 42499 is essential for wholesalers involved in miscellaneous nondurable goods distribution. Whether you are a tobacco wholesaler or a distributor of paper products, this industry classification helps clarify your market identity and eligibility for small business programs. Stay informed to maximize your business opportunities within the wholesale trade sector!