Municipality: We are keeping pace with the transition from local codes to the International Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities

The Municipality confirmed that it is keeping pace with the transition from local codes to international codes and classifications for economic and commercial activities, in accordance with directives from the Council of Ministers and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, thereby enhancing the standardization and classification of activities in line with internationally recognized standards.

Abdulaziz Al-Rashidi, head of the Engineering Licenses Management Department at the Capital Municipality, stated that Kuwait has worked to localize activities in alignment with the International Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities (ISIC Rev. 4), the reference guide issued by the United Nations, which aims to standardize the description and coding of economic and productive activities worldwide.

Al-Rashidi added that the Municipality’s recent “Your Business License… Right Steps” campaign is part of awareness-raising efforts aimed at strengthening business owners’ compliance with municipal systems and regulations, contributing to rectifying the status of certain existing activities, and educating business owners and prospective investors on selecting the appropriate activity type that matches the nature of their operations.

He emphasized the Municipality’s commitment, through these awareness campaigns, to providing information and answering inquiries from business owners, underscoring the importance of prior knowledge of the systems, regulations, and requirements governing activities, as these are among the most critical factors in protecting investments and ensuring the sustainability and stability of businesses.

He stressed the importance of prior consultation before launching a project, noting that certain activities cannot be licensed in specific locations or zones, and some activities are subject to requirements related to their location within a building, including restrictions on licensing certain activities on the ground floor.

Al-Rashidi underscored the importance of verifying in advance whether an activity is suitable for the site and complies with applicable regulations, helping to avoid costs or burdens that could have been prevented before starting the project.

He noted that the Municipality’s website provides information and data related to activities, requirements, and procedures, enabling individuals and companies to access them easily. Additionally, the Municipality’s branches across various governorates, along with the dedication of specialized staff to support and guide business owners, further facilitate this process.

He called on business owners to take advantage of these services and consultations, and to submit relevant documents and data to obtain the necessary information and guidance before initiating licensing procedures.