The industries have high specialization ratios, and they are economically significant. Some are much larger than others, but this was necessitated to make them homogenous in terms of production process. The classification is still suitable for sampling, data-publishing and other aspects of survey operations. Disruptions to time series are minimal. The classification achieves comparability for the three participating countries.
All countries agree on the detailed definitions of the industries.
The abbreviation NEC is used for Not Elsewhere Classified. The abbreviation NEC is used for Not Elsewhere Classified. There are two new industries, one in each of the proposed subsectors. The Contract Postal Operations, Excluding Bulk Mail Transportation industry was created to reflect operations similar to the Postal Service in process but which provide for fewer of the production equipment and facilities. This activity is included in 1987 SIC 7389, Business Services, Not Elsewhere Classified.