NAICS 311213

Overview

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is the federal standard for classifying business establishments to support the collection, analysis, and publication of U.S. economic statistics. Developed under the Office of Management and Budget and adopted in 1997 to replace the SIC, NAICS was created jointly by the U.S. ECPC, Statistics Canada, and Mexico’s INEGI to ensure cross‑country comparability. The current vintage is 2022. ¹

NAICS 311213 covers establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing malt from barley, rye, or other grains. Brewing is classified in NAICS 312120 (Breweries), while malt extracts and syrups are classified in NAICS 311942. The code sits within industry group 31121 (Flour Milling and Malt Manufacturing) of subsector 3112 (Grain and Oilseed Milling). ²

What this NAICS covers

• Manufacturing malt from barley. ²
• Manufacturing malt from rye and other cereal grains. ²
• Establishments whose primary activity is malting, regardless of end use of the malt. ²
• Malt production classified under industry group 31121 within subsector 3112. ²
• Excludes brewing beer and other malt beverages (classified in 312120). ²
• Excludes manufacturing malt extract and malt syrups (classified in 311942). ²

Related NAICS and PSC codes

Type	Code	Descriptor
NAICS	312120	Breweries
NAICS	311942	Spice and Extract Manufacturing (includes malt extract and syrups)
PSC	8920	Bakery and Cereal Products
PSC	8965	Beverages, Alcoholic

PSC descriptors are sourced from the GSA Product and Service Code (PSC) Manual, April 2025. ⁵

Cross-references and exclusions

• Brewing beer, ale, and other malt beverages is classified in NAICS 312120 (Breweries), not in NAICS 311213. ²
• Manufacturing malt extract and malt syrups is classified in NAICS 311942, not in NAICS 311213. ²

Placement in the 2022 NAICS hierarchy

• Sector 31–33 Manufacturing → Subsector 311 Food Manufacturing → Industry group 31121 Flour Milling and Malt Manufacturing → National industry 311213 Malt Manufacturing. ²

2022 NAICS data availability notes

• Census programs have been transitioning to 2022 NAICS; the Economic Census began publishing data on a 2022 NAICS basis with First Look in 2024 and broader releases continue through 2027. ³
• Manufacturing sector summary statistics for 2022 NAICS are available via the 2022 Economic Census Manufacturing tables. ⁴

Frequently asked questions

• What activities define NAICS 311213?
  NAICS 311213 includes establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing malt from barley, rye, or other cereal grains. The classification is based on the malting process itself, regardless of whether the malt is ultimately used in beverages, baked goods, or other food products. ²

• Are breweries included in NAICS 311213?
  No. Brewing beer, ale, and other malt beverages falls under NAICS 312120 (Breweries). NAICS 311213 covers the production of malt only and does not include the brewing of finished alcoholic beverages. ²

• Where are malt extracts and syrups classified?
  Malt extract and malt syrups are classified under NAICS 311942 (Spice and Extract Manufacturing), separate from NAICS 311213. This distinction reflects that extract/syrup production involves additional processing beyond malting. ²

• In which NAICS subsector and industry group does 311213 sit?
  NAICS 311213 is in subsector 3112 (Grain and Oilseed Milling), within industry group 31121 (Flour Milling and Malt Manufacturing). This placement reflects malt’s role as a processed grain product. ²

• Is NAICS 311213 part of the 2022 NAICS used by recent Census releases?
  Yes. The Census Bureau is publishing data on the 2022 NAICS basis, with program transitions continuing through 2027; manufacturing statistics from the 2022 Economic Census are available and expanding as releases occur. ³

Useful resources

• G2X — NAICS 311213 overview
• U.S. Census Bureau — NAICS introduction and background. ¹
• U.S. Census Bureau — NAICS 311213 definition and cross‑references (2022). ²
• U.S. Census Bureau — 2022 NAICS implementation timeline. ³
• U.S. Census Bureau — 2022 Economic Census Manufacturing tables (Sector 31–33). ⁴

References

1. U.S. Census Bureau. North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) — Introduction. https://www.census.gov/naics/
2. U.S. Census Bureau. 2022 NAICS Search — 311213 Malt Manufacturing (definition and cross-references). https://www.census.gov/naics/?input=311213&year=2022&details=311213
3. U.S. Census Bureau. The Census Bureau’s Implementation of the 2022 NAICS. https://www.census.gov/library/reference/code-lists/naics/2022/implementation-timeline.html
4. U.S. Census Bureau. 2022 NAICS Sector 31–33 — Manufacturing (Economic Census tables). https://www.census.gov/data/tables/2022/econ/economic-census/naics-sector-31-33.html
5. U.S. General Services Administration. Product and Service Code (PSC) Manual — April 2025. https://origin-www.acquisition.gov/psc-manual