Mann und Frau stehen in einer Werkstatt an einem Tisch mit einem Drucker

When is a trade considered a craft?

German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) and DHKT publish revised "Leitfaden Abgrenzung"

Is a trade to be classified as a craft, or does it fall rather under industry, commerce or services? The classification is not always straightforward and may also change. The DIHK provides guidance with an updated version of the "Leitfaden Abgrenzung".

This guide quickly and clearly shows whether an activity is to be classified as a craft and what requirements follow from it. It thus provides a practical basis for legally sound decisions – both for new business registrations and for existing companies expanding their range of services.

How is classification done?

The Crafts Code distinguishes three areas:

Crafts requiring approval (Appendix A): Master craftsman's certificate or equivalent qualification.
Crafts not requiring approval (Appendix B1): Possible without master craftsman's qualification.
Craft-like trades (Appendix B2): No specific qualification proofs.

For activities that combine craft, industrial or service elements, the guide helps with classification – especially for mixed operations.