When you file a trademark in China, you don't just register a name — you register it in one or more Nice classes. Getting the class right is the difference between real protection and a false sense of security. Here's what foreign brand owners need to know, including a full list of all 45 classes.
The Nice Classification is the international system that groups goods and services into 45 classes — classes 1–34 cover goods (physical products), and classes 35–45 cover services. China follows this system through the CNIPA, so a Chinese trademark is always filed against specific classes. You choose the classes that match what you sell and what you plausibly will sell.
China is first-to-file and protection is class-by-class. A registration in class 25 (clothing) does not stop someone else from registering the same name in class 9 (software) or class 35 (retail services). If you only file in the class you sell in today, a squatter can lock up your brand in the classes you'll need tomorrow.
| Class | Covers | Typical for |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | Software, apps, electronics, smart devices | Tech, IoT, consumer electronics |
| 25 | Clothing, footwear, headwear | Fashion, apparel brands |
| 35 | Retail, e-commerce, advertising, business management | Almost every brand selling online |
| 42 | Software development, R&D, design services | SaaS, engineering, design firms |
| 3 | Cosmetics, skincare, perfumes | Beauty & personal care |
| 30 / 32 / 33 | Food, beverages, alcohol | FMCG, food & drink |
Below is the full list. Use it to spot every class your brand should consider — then we narrow it down in your free search.
| Class | Covers (goods 1–34) | Common examples |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chemicals for industry, science, agriculture | Industrial chemicals, fertilizers, adhesives |
| 2 | Paints, varnishes, coatings | Paint, primers, colorants |
| 3 | Cosmetics & cleaning preparations | Skincare, perfume, shampoo, detergent |
| 4 | Fuels, oils, greases | Lubricants, candles, industrial oils |
| 5 | Pharmaceuticals & medical | Medicine, supplements, sanitizers |
| 6 | Common metals & metal goods | Steel, hardware, metal containers |
| 7 | Machines & machine tools | Motors, industrial equipment |
| 8 | Hand tools & cutlery | Hand-operated tools, knives |
| 9 | Electronics, software, devices | Apps, phones, smart devices, glasses |
| 10 | Medical & surgical apparatus | Diagnostic devices, dental apparatus |
| 11 | Appliances & lighting | LED lights, air conditioners, heaters |
| 12 | Vehicles | Cars, bicycles, drones, strollers |
| 13 | Firearms & ammunition | (Restricted — rarely filed by foreign brands) |
| 14 | Jewelry & precious metals | Watches, gold, silverware |
| 15 | Musical instruments | Guitars, pianos, accessories |
| 16 | Paper, printed matter, stationery | Books, notebooks, packaging |
| 17 | Rubber & plastic (non-metal) | Hoses, seals, insulation |
| 18 | Leather & travel goods | Bags, wallets, luggage, saddlery |
| 19 | Building materials (non-metal) | Wood, tiles, glass for building |
| 20 | Furniture & home fittings | Chairs, beds, mirrors, cushions |
| 21 | Household & kitchenware | Cookware, mugs, cleaning tools |
| 22 | Ropes, cords, awnings | Tents, nets, sacks |
| 23 | Yarns & threads | Textile yarn |
| 24 | Textiles & bed linens | Fabric, towels, blankets |
| 25 | Clothing, footwear, headwear | Shirts, shoes, hats |
| 26 | Haberdashery & trims | Buttons, lace, hair accessories |
| 27 | Carpets & floor coverings | Rugs, mats, vinyl flooring |
| 28 | Games, toys & sporting goods | Toys, board games, fitness gear |
| 29 | Meat, dairy & prepared foods | Meat, cheese, snacks |
| 30 | Staple foods & condiments | Coffee, tea, rice, sauces |
| 31 | Agricultural & fresh produce | Grains, fruit, live plants |
| 32 | Beers & non-alcoholic drinks | Soft drinks, juices, beer |
| 33 | Alcoholic beverages | Wine, spirits, liqueurs |
| 34 | Tobacco & smokers' articles | Cigarettes, vapes, lighters |
| Class | Covers (services 35–45) | Common examples |
|---|---|---|
| 35 | Advertising, retail, business management | Online retail, marketing, import/export agencies |
| 36 | Insurance & financial services | Banking, investment, real estate |
| 37 | Construction & repair | Building, installation, maintenance |
| 38 | Telecommunications | Internet, broadcasting, messaging platforms |
| 39 | Transport & storage | Shipping, logistics, travel arrangement |
| 40 | Material treatment & processing | Manufacturing, printing, customization |
| 41 | Education & entertainment | Training, events, streaming, publishing |
| 42 | Science & technology services | Software dev, R&D, design, SaaS |
| 43 | Food & drink services | Restaurants, cafés, hotels |
| 44 | Medical & agricultural services | Clinics, veterinary, landscaping |
| 45 | Legal & personal services | Legal, security, social companionship |
On the free search we map your goods and services to the correct Nice classes and propose the wording. A typical brand files in 1–3 classes; broader protection means more classes at $269 each beyond the first.
Each class needs a description of the specific items you claim. Too narrow and you leave gaps; too broad and the CNIPA may ask you to clarify. We draft wording that is broad enough to protect you but specific enough to clear examination — part of the registration service.
Send us what you sell. We'll map the right Nice classes and run a free availability search.
Free class & search check