On 1st September 2025, the Fair Competition Commission (“FCC”) issued a notice announcing the commencement of mandatory trademark recordation for all goods imported into Mainland Tanzania, effective 1st December 2025.
This requirement is introduced under Section 11A of the Merchandise Marks Act, 1963 (as amended), together with the Merchandise Marks (Recordation) Regulations, 2025. All trademarks covering goods intended for importation into Mainland Tanzania must now be recorded with the Chief Inspector of Merchandise Marks, irrespective of their jurisdiction of registration.
Once recorded, trademarks will benefit from proactive enforcement against counterfeit imports under the Merchandise Marks Act. Each recordation will be valid for one (1) year, renewable annually.
Importantly, beginning 1st December 2025, only representatives formally appointed and registered by trademark owners will be permitted to act before the FCC in recordation matters. Filings or transactions submitted by unregistered representatives will not be accepted.
We recommend businesses, companies, and trademark proprietors to:
- Review their trademark portfolios and identify marks requiring recordation;
- Ensure timely compliance with the new requirements to avoid disruption of import activities and benefit from enhanced anti-counterfeiting protection;
- Confirm that their legal representatives or agents are duly registered with the FCC before the effective date.
Should you require assistance with trademark recordation or representation before the FCC, please do not hesitate to contact us.
