TRADEMARK RECORDATION IS NOW MANDATORY REQUIRED FOR IMPORTS INTO TANZANIA

On 1^st September 2025, The Fair Competition Commission (“FCC”) has issued a public notice announcing the launch of a mandatory trademark recordation system for all goods imported into Tanzania Mainland.

This follows the enactment of the Finance Act, 2025, which introduced Section 11A to the Merchandise Marks Act [Cap. 85 R.E. 2023]. Under this new provision, all trademarks associated with imported goods—regardless of where they are registered—must be formally recorded with the Chief Inspector of Merchandise Marks in the prescribed manner.

The recordation requirement takes effect on 1^st December 2025 and is mandatory for all import-related trademarks.

This development represents a significant step in Tanzania’s broader efforts to enhance border control measures and improve the enforcement of intellectual property rights, particularly in combatting counterfeit goods. By requiring advance recordation of trademarks, customs officials and inspectors will be better equipped to identify and intercept infringing or counterfeit goods at the point of entry.

Trademark owners, importers, and legal representatives are advised to immediately assess their trademark portfolios, gather the necessary documentation, and appoint qualified representatives in preparation for compliance with the upcoming deadline.

Details regarding the procedures and documentation required for recordation are outlined in the Merchandise Marks (Recordation) Regulations, 2025. Specifically:

• Regulation 3 mandates that applications be submitted using Form FCC 1, addressed to the Chief Inspector.
• Applications must include:
  • Full details of the applicant;
  • Nationality or jurisdiction of incorporation (for companies);
  • Place of manufacture of the goods;
  • A sample or clear photograph of the trademarked goods;
  • Details of any licensees or affiliated entities using the trademark;
  • A certified copy of the current trademark registration; and
  • Proof of payment of the applicable fees.

The Second Schedule to the Regulations sets forth the applicable fees:

• Initial trademark recordation: TZS. 200,000;
• Change of ownership: TZS. 150,000;
• Change of Name: TZS 100,000;
• Renewal: TZS 50,000 (required annually);
• Searches or certified copies: TZS 3,000 per request

The initial recordation is valid for one year, with annual renewals required thereafter.

Conclusion

Importantly, starting 1^st December 2025, only registered and authorized representatives will be permitted to act before the FCC in relation to recordation matters. Trademark owners must ensure that their agents or legal representatives are duly appointed and officially recognized by the FCC. Unauthorized individuals will not be allowed to submit filings or perform transactions on behalf of trademark owners.

Failure to comply with the recordation requirement may result in delays in clearing goods at Tanzanian ports of entry, potentially disrupting supply chains and business operations.

Recommended Action

We strongly advise our clients to review their current and upcoming trademarks portfolio for recordation in Tanzania. To mitigate delays implications with the importation, we recommend that all relevant imports to be registered on or  before 30^th November 2025.

If you require assistance in reviewing your portfolio or taking timely action for recordation in Tanzania, please do not hesitate to contact our IP team.

Further Information:

This editorial is intended to give you a general overview of the Law. If you would like further information and clarification on any issue raised in this editorial, please contact.

Patrick Sanga
Partner
E: p.sanga@vemmaattorneys.co.tz

Haika-Belinda John Macha
Partner
E: hb.macha@vemmaattorneys.co.tz
M: +255 717 307 999