The APE code (also known as the NAF code) is assigned by Institut national de la statistique et des études économiques (INSEE) for statistical purposes. This code can be revised via INSEE website if the wrong one was assigned. If your company’s activity has changed, you need to modify the business registry via INPI.

Each legal entity (business, association, or public body) and each of its establishments is assigned an APE code based on the French Nomenclature of Activities (NAF). According to the decree of 26 December 2007, this code has no legal force by itself. In other words, while it may indicate what kind of activity you carry out, it is not legally binding evidence. Nevertheless, it is a good idea to make sure that the APE code you have been assigned corresponds to your acticual activity.

Before requesting a revision of your APE code, make sure that your current declared activity (or activities) accurately reflects what you actually do. Check your kBis or avis d’INSEE. You can also check your public registry at pappers.fr. If your activity has changed, or a different activity has become predominant, this should be updated through the INPI portal, via business modification procedure.

When you create your business, or change your activity via INPI website, you describe your activity in your own words, and then make a selection from the dropdown menus. Your status (liberal, commercial, artisanal etc) is determined automatically by the choice in the dropdown menus, but the APE code is assigned based on the first few words of your verbal description. This is usually where discrepancy is coming from.

Self-employed business owners in France can have several very different types of activity registered under their SIRET number. However, they can only have one APE code – and it should correspond to the activity that’s declared as the main one.

When can you request a change?

You may request a revision of your APE code in several situations, for example:

• Your business carries out several activities, and their relative weight has shifted (e.g. a secondary activity has become the main one).
• The code initially assigned by INSEE does not match the declared activity.
• You have changed your main activity and already filed the relevant declaration with the INPI. If the declaration has been approved, but your public records still show the old/wrong API code, you can reques a revision, too

It’s also wise to consult the official NAF classification before making your request, as the activity labels can cover more than what their titles suggest.

How the process works

To request a revision, you must first ensure that your activity is correctly declared with the appropriate authority. Once this is done, you can submit a revision request to INSEE.

Here’s the process in simple terms:

1. Select the right activity table depending on your situation. There are different forms for associations, public bodies, holding companies, personal services activities, and businesses with one or more establishments. The form to be used by microentreprises and companies with only one establishment (except holdings) can be downloaded here. If you’re registered as “service à la personne” then you need this form. In all other cases, please refer directly to the INPI website for more information and the correct form.
2. Fill out the activity table carefully, following the instructions. The table is used by INSEE experts to evaluate your case. It should be signed and/or stamped by your business.
3. Submit the online form and attach the completed activity table and supporting documents.

Your request will not be processed without these documents. Once received, INSEE usually takes around 20 working days (approximately one month) to examine your file. In some cases, they may contact your business to clarify details, which can extend the timeline.

If the analysis confirms that the code should be changed, INSEE will reassign a new APE code corresponding to the appropriate NAF category.

Special case: new businesses

If your company is newly registered (less than one month old) and you believe the APE code assigned during registration is incorrect, you can request a correction within that first month. In this case, the activity table is not required. Instead, you must provide:

• Your SIREN number
• The department where the business is located
• Your Kbis extract or the official summary of your registration showing the activity you declared

If you have declared several activities, specify which one is your main activity.

Final note

While the APE code does not grant legal rights, having the correct code is important for administrative clarity, industry statistics, and dealings with partners and institutions. If your activity has evolved or was incorrectly classified, requesting a revision ensures that your business is properly represented.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to receive personalised information about your business project.

Important: Every situation is different and may need professional advice. The information on the Compte Plus website is general and should not replace legal, accounting, or tax counsel. If in doubt, contact a specialist for tailored advice.