SKD 2025: When Statistics Finally Catch Reality

Introduction

On January 1, 2025, we enter a new chapter in statistical history – SKD 2025 comes into force, a new version of the Standard Classification of Activities that replaces the legendary SKD 2008. And although this sounds like a dry bureaucratic exercise, for the adult industry this time the story is surprisingly interesting, in places even liberating.

SKD is not law

First, we must clarify one key thing that is all too often "forgotten" in practice – and very conveniently: SKD ≠ law. SKD is not law, never was and never will be. SKD is a statistical and organizational classification, a tool for classifying activities, not a moral compass or criminal code. Prohibitions come from laws – criminal, labor, tax – not from codes in tables. So if someone tells you: "You can't do that because it's not in SKD", that is not a legal argument, but an urban legend with a bureaucratic accent.

Prostitution: Named, defined, recorded

One of the major changes – and this time positive – is a clearer definition of prostitution. Under code 96.999 – Other personal service activities not elsewhere classified, SKD 2025 now explicitly lists: performing or providing sexual services, organizing prostitution programs, or operating establishments with prostitution.

In SKD 2008 (then 96.090) this explanation did not exist at all. There was a large gray area, many interpretations, and even more "own opinions" from various institutions. This time it is written in black and white – even the operation of brothels is explicitly mentioned. Of course, this does not mean that everything is automatically permitted or regulated – but it does mean that statistics finally recognize reality. The next logical step is to discuss this with AJPES, FURS, the Labor Inspectorate of the Republic of Slovenia, and the Market Inspectorate, because for the first time we have a starting point for serious dialogue.

Erotic massage: Gone from the code, not from life

One of the more interesting changes is the disappearance of activity 96.040 – Erotic massage, which simply no longer exists in SKD 2025. Panic? No. This does not mean that we can no longer provide erotic massages.

In the new classification, massages are placed under: 96.230 – Spa activities, saunas and steam baths, which also includes: activities of massage salons for non-medical massage. Erotic massage is thus treated as non-medical massage, and professionally it falls under the profession of masseur.

Years ago, I was the initiator of establishing the profession of erotic masseur at the Center of the Republic of Slovenia for Vocational Education (CPI). We prepared the idea, the basic curriculum, the matter went through the CPI council discussion. The final decision? That erotic massage is very similar to the profession of masseur. The result of this decision is actually beneficial for workers in the industry: the activity is now anonymized. Your AJPES card does not say "erotic", which means less stigma, less oppression, and more normal business space. And by the way – when it comes to prostate massage, I personally find it hard to agree that it is a "non-medical" service, but that is a topic for another professional discussion.

Escorting: No surprises

Escorting also remains where it has been – under 96.999 Other personal service activities not elsewhere classified, which lists: social activities (e.g. escorting, organizing meetings and gatherings, matchmaking services). Just like everywhere in the world, escorting is also permitted and registrable with us. Nothing new, nothing controversial, nothing dramatic. Just another proof that there are far more myths than real restrictions.

Domination, fetish and other activities

Domination, fetish activities, various forms of intimate companionship and structured encounters also fall under 96.999, specifically under: meeting and gathering activities and other networking activities. In practice, this means that most activities in the adult industry have their place in SKD 2025 – without the need to invent exotic codes or flee to completely unrelated activities.

SKD 2025 is not a revolution, but it is an important signal

SKD 2025: does not legalize, does not prohibit, does not moralize. But for the first time in a long time, it more clearly names things. And that is important for the adult industry.

If we – as a community – do not know how to understand, interpret, and use these changes, others will do it instead of us. And history teaches us that this is usually not to our advantage. Therefore, SKD 2025 is a good opportunity: for dialogue with institutions, for more legal security, and for less mythology around what is "allowed" and what is not. Statistics has taken a step forward. Now it is society's turn.