Mandatory Trademark Recordation for Imported Goods Effective 1 December 2025

The Fair Competition Commission (FCC) has announced that, effective 1 December, 2025, all trademarks relating to goods imported into Mainland Tanzania must be recorded with the FCC under the newly issued Merchandise Marks (Recordation) Regulations, 2025.

Introduced through the Finance Act, 2025, which amended the Merchandise Marks Act [Cap. 85 R.E. 2023], the new recordation system is designed to strengthen anti-counterfeiting measures and enhance border enforcement. It requires rights holders and importers to record trademarks in advance, enabling authorities to identify and prevent counterfeit goods from entering the market.

The requirement applies to both Tanzanian and foreign-registered trademarks, provided the goods bearing those marks are intended for import into Tanzania. Recordation does not confer trademark rights but is a mandatory prerequisite for importation authorization.

Application Requirements

Applications must be submitted to the Chief Inspector of the FCC using Form FCC 1. Each application covers one trademark in one class and must include:

• Full details of the applicant and trademark owner;
• Nationality or place of incorporation of the owner;
• Place of manufacture of the goods;
• A sample or clear digital image of the trademarked goods;
• Details of any licensees or affiliated entities authorized to use the mark;
• A certified copy of the current trademark registration certificate; and
• Proof of payment of the official fee.

The FCC will issue its decision within 21 days of receiving the application. Recordation is valid for one year and may be renewed annually by resubmitting the same information and proof of renewal payment.

Trademark owners may appoint agents through a Power of Attorney, which must be filed and registered with the FCC before any related action is undertaken. The Regulations also provide for the recordation of subsequent changes, including ownership or name updates, and establish penalties for submitting false or misleading information.

With implementation set for 1 December 2025, trademark owners, importers, and their representatives are advised to review their portfolios, prepare the necessary documentation, and appoint authorized agents in advance to ensure timely compliance and avoid clearance delays at Tanzanian ports.