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China Customs IP Recordal

Once your trademark, patent or copyright is recorded with the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), customs notifies the right holder in writing when it finds suspected infringing goods during import and export control, and the right holder can apply for detention.

Order online
  • File online
  • Quote online
  • Track progress online

China Customs protects trademark rights, copyright and related rights, and patent rights that relate to imported or exported goods and are protected under Chinese laws and administrative regulations. A recordal takes effect on the date the GACC approves it and is valid for 10 years.

When you need it

  • Your goods are imported or exported and you are concerned about counterfeit or copied goods passing through Chinese ports
  • Your trademark is registered, your patent granted or your work registered, and you want customs to watch for suspected infringing goods at clearance
  • A recordal is about to expire and needs renewing, or the recorded details have changed and need updating
  • A right holder outside China needs to file through an agent in China

What you get

  • A check of the documents before filing: proof of the right, licensing details and information on legitimate goods
  • Completion and filing of the application on the GACC online platform, and follow-up if corrections are requested
  • The recordal result and recordal number
  • A renewal reminder before expiry, and handling of changes when the recorded details change

How it works

Step 1

Order online

Enter the type of right, the registration number and other basic details and submit; an agent reviews and quotes, and work starts once you confirm the quote.
Step 2

Prepare the documents

Provide proof of the right, proof of identity and the other documents on the list; documents in a foreign language need a Chinese translation.
Step 3

File the application

Filed through the GACC online platform; a separate application is filed for each right.
Step 4

Review by the GACC

The GACC decides whether to approve the recordal within 30 working days of receiving all the application documents.
Step 5

Recordal in force and renewal

The recordal takes effect on the date of approval and is valid for 10 years; renewal can be requested within the 6 months before expiry, each renewal being valid for 10 years.
Order online
  • File online
  • Quote online
  • Track progress online

What to prepare

  • Proof of identity of the right holder (such as a business licence)
  • Trademarks: the trademark registration certificate
  • Patents: the patent certificate and a copy of the patent register; utility models and designs also need a patent evaluation report
  • Copyright: the copyright registration certificate, and photographs of the work or other evidence
  • Details of any licences granted, information and photographs of the goods that lawfully use the right, and information on known infringing goods (if any)
  • Signed documents such as the power of attorney are provided as instructed after we accept the order; nothing to prepare now

Fees and timing

The GACC currently charges no recordal fee.

The agency fee is quoted after an agent reviews your order; you pay only after confirming the quote.

The GACC decides within 30 working days of receiving all the application documents; for renewals, within 10 working days.

FAQs

Got questions? We’ve got answers.

These are general guidelines; official rules and case-specific assessments apply.
Does China Customs protect rights that are not recorded?
Recordal is not compulsory. A right holder without a recordal who learns that suspected infringing goods are about to be imported or exported can still apply to the customs office at the place of entry or exit for detention. With a recordal, customs notifies the right holder in writing when it finds, in the course of its controls, goods suspected of infringing the recorded right.
How long is a China customs recordal valid, and how is it renewed?
It takes effect on the date the GACC approves it and is valid for 10 years; if the right itself is valid for less than 10 years, the term of the right applies. Renewal can be requested within the 6 months before expiry, each renewal being valid for 10 years.
Does China Customs charge a recordal fee?
The GACC currently charges no recordal fee. The agency fee is quoted after an agent reviews your order.
Can a company outside China apply for a China customs recordal?
Yes. A right holder outside China must file through its office in China or through an agent in China.
What if the right or the right holder’s details change after recordal?
When the recorded details change, the change or cancellation must be filed with the GACC within 30 working days of the change.
What do I have to do when customs notifies me of suspected infringing goods?
The right holder must apply for detention and provide security within 3 working days of receiving the notice; customs then detains the suspected infringing goods.

Related services

Related countries and regions

China

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Notice: the services described on this page are carried out by locally licensed partner firms; J&C is your point of contact and coordinates and delivers the work. Fees shown are estimates; official fees are those actually charged by the office and the final quote is confirmed by an agent. Examination times are set by each office and the outcome depends on official examination; we make no promise as to results. By submitting an order you agree that the information needed for the work is shared with the relevant partner firm (which may be outside your country). This page is general information, not legal advice.

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