Registry Detail

1162

Proposal

14 February 2001

E-commerce and e-retailing

Should new classes for e-commerce or e-retailing be created in ISIC? How should such e-commerce classes be defined?

The subgroup decided that it was not appropriate for ISIC to recommend a definition of e-commerce because there are many definitions in use but no single widely accepted definition. The Introduction to ISIC 2002 update will discuss e-commerce in general terms identifying three steps in transactions: 1) placement of an order or request for service, 2) payment, and 3) fulfillment or delivery of goods or services. E-commerce transactions can encompass electronic performance of 1, 2, or both. The question is whether Internet retailers should be classified in 5251 or 5259? NACE has already identified them in 5251 (mail-order houses). DECISION: Retail predominantly or exclusively on the Internet will be classified in ISIC class 5251. No decision was reached on creating a separate category for Internet Retailing in ISIC. It was noted by the subgroup that e-commerce and e-retailing can be problematic when translating English into French. (It was clear after discussion that these are different things). A note regarding e-business in ISIC was presented. This wording will be used in the Introduction. The description of e-commerce will only include steps 1 and 2 rather than all three as described above.