On 1 September 2025, Tanzania’s Fair Competition Commission (FCC) launched a trade mark recordals programme for all goods imported into Mainland Tanzania, effective December 2025. This initiative follows the enactment of the Finance Act 2025, which introduced Section 11A to the Merchandise Marks Act [Cap. 85 R.E. 2023].

Trade mark owners are strongly advised to complete recordals by 30 November 2025 to avoid clearance issues.

Key highlights:

• In order for trade mark owners to file Customs complaints, they must formally record trade marks associated with goods imported into Mainland Tanzania.
• Applications must be submitted to the Chief Inspector of Merchandise Marks for review and approval.

Required documentation for recordal:

• Full applicant details (company’s incorporation certificate, address, contact);
• Company’s registered jurisdiction;
• Information on subsidiaries or affiliates under common ownership;
• Details of any foreign licensees and the nature of their authorised use (e.g., distributors)
• Certified copy of the current trade mark registration;
• Sample or clear photograph of trademarked goods;
• Country of origin of the manufactured goods;
• Relevant trade mark classification;
• Proof of payment of applicable fees, and
• Power of Attorney authorising a registered representative to act before the FCC.

Unregistered trade marks are excluded from the protection and benefits provided under the Finance Act. However, trade mark owners may still seek protection through all existing legal mechanisms within Tanzania’s borders.

This initiative represents a major advancement in Tanzania’s efforts to tighten border controls and strengthen the protection of intellectual property rights, especially in combating the import of counterfeit goods at points of entry.