South Africa has officially adopted the 13th Edition (2026) of the Nice Classification, effective 1 January 2026.

The new edition introduces several adjustments to the classification of goods and services, including the reclassification of certain products and services into different classes compared to previous editions.

One of the most notable changes concerns essential oils, which are now classified by purpose: cosmetic use remains in Class 03, medical and pharmaceutical use falls under Class 05, while oils used as ingredients in cosmetics or pharmaceuticals are placed in Class 01. Flavouring oils are divided between Class 30 for food and beverages and Class 34 for tobacco products.

Eyeglasses, contact lenses, sunglasses, and nose clips for swimmers have been moved from Class 09 to Class 10, aligning them with medical apparatus, while repair and maintenance services for spectacles and eyeglasses have been added to Class 37. Fire engines and trucks have been moved to Class 12, electrically heated clothing from Class 11 to Class 25, while umbrellas and parasols have been redefined – hand held versions remain in Class 18, whereas patio umbrellas, tents, and awnings are now classified in Class 22.

Service classes have also been updated – smash rooms and rage rooms are recognised as entertainment services in Class 41, while Artificial Intelligence as a Service (AIaaS) has been introduced in Class 42, reflecting the growing role of emerging technologies.

As this update continues the global trend of aligning trade mark classification with the functional use of goods and services rather than traditional industry association, applicants are advised to carefully review the updated class definitions to ensure accurate filings.