New Trade Mark Recording Requirements for Imports in Tanzania

From December 1, 2025, trade mark owners must record their marks with the Fair Competition Commission in Tanzania, or risk having their goods stopped at the border or facing fines and penalties. This new system aims to prevent counterfeit and infringing products from entering the country.

Key Takeaways:

• The new trade mark recording system will require all trade mark owners to record their marks with the Fair Competition Commission in Tanzania.
• A written application must be submitted to the Chief Inspector, including the trade mark owner's details, nationality, address, and contact information, as well as details of the goods and any authorized licensees.
• A certified copy of the current trade mark registration and proof of payment of the application fee must be provided.
• Recordation will be valid for one year and must be renewed annually, with automatic cancellation if the trade mark registration is cancelled, revoked, or not renewed.
• The new system is a significant change for trade mark owners, importers, and distributors in Tanzania, and all parties should prepare by identifying linked trade marks and gathering necessary paperwork before the December 1, 2025 deadline.
• Specialist advice should be sought to address specific circumstances.
• The Chief Inspector will have the power to inspect and enforce the new rules at the border to prevent counterfeit and infringing products.

Statistics:

• December 1, 2025, is the effective date for the new trade mark recording system.
• A written application must be submitted to the Chief Inspector, including the trade mark owner's details.
• A certified copy of the current trade mark registration must be provided.
• Recordation will be valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
• Automatic cancellation of recordation will occur if the trade mark registration is cancelled, revoked, or not renewed.

Sources:

• Mondaq Ltd, 2025 (Source of article and reference identifier)
• Chief Inspector of Merchandise Marks, Trade Mark Recording Requirements