The Fair Competition Commission (FCC) of Tanzania has announced the commencement of implementation of Trademark Rights Recordation effective from 1st December 2025. This significant regulatory update makes it mandatory for all trademarks on goods imported into Mainland Tanzania to be recorded with the Chief Inspector of Merchandise Marks, irrespective of their country of registration.
The initiative reinforces Tanzania's legal framework for combating counterfeit trade under the Merchandise Marks Act, 1963 (as amended).
Key Requirements and Process
Trademark owners or their authorized agents must submit a formal application using the prescribed Form FCC 1. Essential information includes applicant and owner details, nationality or jurisdiction of incorporation, the place of manufacture of the goods, and a sample or digital image of the trademarked products. The application must also include details of any foreign entities licensed to use the mark and information on related companies under common ownership or control. A certified copy of the trademark registration and proof of payment for the application fee of TZS 200,000 per class must accompany the submission.
The Chief Inspector will review applications within 21 days, with notification of the decision issued within 5 days thereafter. Once approved, the recordation is valid for one year from the approval date.
Maintenance and Enforcement
To maintain a valid recordation, any assignment or transfer of ownership must be reported to the FCC within 30 days using Form FCC 2, and any change in the owner's name must be notified within 7 days. Failure to report such changes will result in the cancellation of the recordation. Renewal must be filed at least 30 days before expiry, accompanied by updated information and a fee of TZS 50,000.
Providing false or misleading information to the FCC is a punishable offense, carrying penalties of up to TZS 10 million, imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both.
Protection and Representation
Recorded trademarks will benefit from proactive protection against counterfeit imports. Furthermore, from 1st December 2025, only trademark representatives formally registered and admitted by the respective trademark owners will be permitted to act on their behalf before the FCC.
Trademark owners and importers are urged to prepare for these new requirements well ahead of the December deadline.
Source:
1. https://www.fcc.go.tz/attachments/attachment-1756741036267-1350286PUBLIC%20NOTICE.pdf
2. https://www.fcc.go.tz/attachments/attachment-1752841540518-289779265352F-THE%20MERCHANDISE%20MARKS%20(RECORDATION)%20REGULATIONS,%202025-CHAPA%20DOM.pdf
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