Tanzania is tightening its regulatory framework for imported goods, introducing a new trademark-filing requirement that will take effect on 1 December 2025. The measure, issued by the Fair Competition Commission (FCC), targets the rising concerns over counterfeit products and aims to ensure greater visibility and authenticity of branded goods entering the country.

Under the new mandate, every importer must complete a detailed trademark filing with the FCC before their products can clear customs. This obligation applies whether the trademark is registered in Tanzania or in any other jurisdiction. Goods that enter the country without prior trademark registration will be treated as undeclared items—potentially subject to seizure, penalties, and additional legal consequences.

Why Tanzania Is Implementing the New Rule

Tanzania’s market has seen increasing inflows of unregistered or counterfeit branded goods in recent years. Regulators believe that establishing a formal trademark-filing procedure will help:

  • Strengthen traceability of branded imports
  • Protect consumers from low-quality or counterfeit goods
  • Improve market transparency for local distributors
  • Ensure brand owners retain full control over their intellectual property rights

What Importers Must Submit

Each trademark filing must include a complete set of documents, enabling authorities to confirm the legitimacy of both the brand owner and the importer. Required details include:

1. Trademark owner’s identity and contact details

This includes company name, physical address, and official correspondence information.

2. Registration documents of the trademark owner

Importers must provide a business registration certificate of the owner company or the relevant association.

3. Trademark ownership certificate or use-authorization proof

If the importer is not the direct trademark owner, they must present formal authorization confirming permission to import goods under the brand.

4. Information on affiliated entities

This covers the owner’s subsidiaries, holding companies, or related companies using the trademark.

5. Importer’s trading license

A valid license is required to prove the importer is authorized to operate in Tanzania.

6. Product list by category

Goods must be categorized and declared by type to facilitate inspection and classification.

How the Regulation Impacts Importers

The new rule introduces both administrative work and operational responsibilities for businesses shipping goods into Tanzania. Key impacts include:

  • Longer pre-shipment preparation to gather required documents
  • Higher compliance costs for companies managing multiple brands
  • Potential delays for goods shipped without advance trademark filing
  • Reduced risk of counterfeit-related disputes and customs holds

For companies with established supply chains, the regulation clarifies expectations. For new or occasional importers, however, the rule raises the importance of proper documentation and early coordination with brand owners.

Winsail Insight

For shippers exporting from China to Tanzania, this regulation will influence documentation lead times and clearance procedures. Winsail recommends:

  • Begin trademark filing at least 4–6 weeks before shipment
  • Coordinate early with suppliers or brand owners to obtain authorization letters
  • Maintain a centralized archive of all trademark documentation to ensure smooth renewal
  • Avoid last-minute shipments without verified trademark filing status

Regulatory tightening across East Africa is a growing trend; preparing ahead can significantly reduce customs risks and prevent unexpected demurrage or storage costs.

If you need guidance on compliance, document preparation, or end-to-end shipping arrangements for Tanzania or other African markets, Winsail Logistics can provide tailored support to simplify the process.

Winsail Logistics provides reliable sea, air, and RoRo shipping solutions from China to over 60 countries worldwide.