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ARTICLE · 11 SEPTEMBER 2025

Tanzania Introduces Mandatory Trade Mark Recordation System For Imported Goods

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On 1 September 2025, the Fair Competition Commission (FCC) issued a Public Notice announcing the implementation of...

TanzaniaIntellectual Property
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On 1 September 2025, the Fair Competition Commission (FCC) issued a Public Notice announcing the implementation of a mandatory trade mark recordation system for all goods imported into mainland Tanzania.

This development 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 trade marks applied to goods imported into Tanzania—regardless of their country of registration—must be formally recorded with the Chief Inspector of Merchandise Marks.

The recordation requirement takes effect on 1 December 2025 and is compulsory. Goods bearing unrecorded trade marks will be detained upon entry, whether genuine or counterfeit.

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