The delimitation of your company's affiliation to the Chamber of Crafts (HWK) or the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) is sometimes a complex issue.
The question of delimitation to the craft sector arises not only for start-ups, but also for companies that operate on the borderline between craft and industry. In essence, the question is whether a craft qualification is required for the independent pursuit of an activity.
You can obtain advice on this from the Chamber of Crafts and/or the Chamber of Industry and Commerce.
By law, those tradesmen who do not belong to the Chamber of Crafts belong to the Chamber of Industry and Commerce. In practice, however, many companies belong to both chambers because they carry out both non-handicraft and handicraft or handicraft-like activities. These so-called mixed businesses belong with their respective part of the business to the IHK or the HWK.
In cases of doubt, the chamber affiliation is clarified by mutual agreement between the Chamber of Industry and Commerce and the Chamber of Crafts.