Based on the Finance Act, 2025, which entered into force on September 1, 2025, a mandatory trade mark recordation system for all goods imported into mainland Tanzania will be implemented starting from December 1, 2025. From this date, any goods bearing trade marks that have not been recorded at the Fair Competition Commission (FCC) will be at risk of being detained at the borders, regardless of whether they are genuine or counterfeit, and could incur further penalties and fines.

For the trade marks currently used in Tanzania but not yet registered at the Industrial Property Office, it will be possible to apply to register those marks to comply with the mandatory recordal requirement. This initiative aims to strengthen border control and provides an important opportunity for trade mark rights holders to enhance their enforcement measures in the country.

Applications for recordal must be submitted to the Chief Inspector of Merchandise Marks using the prescribed Form FCC1, along with all the supporting documents. We can assist you in the FCC recordal process if your company imports goods into mainland Tanzania ahead of the deadline.