If you import branded goods into Mainland Tanzania, Tanganyika, the Fair Competition Commission (FCC) now requires trademark recordation. This guide answers every common client question, explains the legal framework, timelines, documents, costs, and gives you a clean, practical procedure you can follow today.

What is FCC trademark recordation in Tanzania

Trademark recordation is a border enforcement mechanism overseen by the FCC through the Chief Inspector of Merchandise Marks. It links your trademark rights to the specific goods you import so customs and inspectors can quickly identify genuine shipments and intercept counterfeits at the point of entry.

When did it start and when is it mandatory at the border

• Regulations in force, July 2025
• Mandatory at clearance, consignments entering Mainland Tanzania on and after 1 December 2025 are expected to show that the relevant trademarks have been recorded. To avoid clearance delays, complete recordation before shipment.

Who must record

Any trademark owner or their authorised agent whose branded goods are imported into Mainland Tanzania should record the mark that appears on those goods, class by class, matching the goods actually being imported.

What rights can be used as the basis

• Accepted
  • A current trademark registration. Where a Tanzania registration is available, use it.
  • Where a Tanzania registration is not yet available, a current foreign registration may be used to proceed with recordation now, while you pursue your Tanzania registration in parallel.
• Not accepted
  • A pending Tanzania application by itself is not enough for recordation. Please secure a registration or use an existing current foreign registration to file recordation, then complete the Tanzania registration in parallel.

Practical tip, even if you record using a foreign registration, we recommend filing and securing your Tanzania registration swiftly, to ensure robust local enforceability and portfolio hygiene.

What happens if you do not record

• At the border, unrecorded marks on imported goods risk detention or refusal of clearance until recordation is completed.
• Commercial impact, delays, storage and demurrage costs, potential disruption to supply chains and sales commitments.

How long does it take and how long does it last

• Processing time, typical determination is within 30 days from a complete submission.
• Validity, 1 year from approval, renewable annually. Best practice is to renew at least 30 days before expiry to avoid any gap at the border.

Documents you need to prepare

I. Certified copy of the current trademark registration certificate, Tanzania or foreign, matching the imported goods
II. Clear product or packaging images showing the mark as used on the imported goods
III. Trademark owner details, name, address, nationality or place of incorporation
IV. Manufacturer details and country of origin
V. Details of any authorised users or licensees, and any affiliated group companies using the mark on the goods
VI. Proof of payment of the government fee
VII. A simple Power of Attorney authorising us to act, we provide the template

“Certified” means an official certified copy or official extract issued by the relevant trademark registry, including digital registry extracts bearing a seal or secure signature. It does not mean notarised by a notary.

Step by step procedure we follow for you

1. Portfolio scoping, confirm the marks, classes, and SKUs actually imported into Mainland Tanzania
2. Gather Documents, collect the registration certificate and product images, confirm manufacturer and any authorised users
3. Submission, we prepare and submit the recordation application and government fee, then monitor the file
4. Registration and Approval, we obtain and share the approval and diarise renewal, and we assist with changes of name or ownership whenever needed

Changes, renewals, and housekeeping

• Change of ownership, must be recorded to keep the recordation accurate and effective
• Change of name, record promptly so border data remains aligned
• Annual renewal, keep your recordation current to avoid clearance gaps

Mainland Tanzania vs Zanzibar

Zanzibar is a separate jurisdiction with its own trademark system. As of now, Zanzibar does not run an FCC style customs recordation regime. If you import directly into Zanzibar, you should rely on Zanzibar trademark registration and standard enforcement channels there.

Common pitfalls to avoid

• Waiting until shipment to start, start recordation ahead of logistics to avoid border delays
• Submitting product images that do not show the mark as it appears on the actual packaging, provide crisp photos or artwork of final packs
• Mismatch between registration, class, and the goods actually imported, align classes to real SKUs
• Overlooking change of name or ownership, keep records current so authorities recognise the correct owner
• Missing the renewal window, diarise annual renewal

How we can help, fast track start

• Same day scoping, share your marks, classes, and imported goods list and we will confirm the scope the same day
• Documents checklist and POA, we send you the POA and a short checklist tailored to your portfolio
• Submission and follow-up, we prepare, file, and chase for approval and diaries renewals.