China Trademark Classification & Class Search
China uses the international Nice Classification (NCL 13-2026) to divide all goods and services into 45 classes for trademark registration with the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA). Classes 1-34 cover goods, and Classes 35-45 cover services. Click a class below to browse its similar groups and standard items in both Chinese and English, select the items you need across multiple classes, then copy them all at once for your China trademark application.
Browse All 45 Classes
How China Trademark Classification Works
China uses the Nice Classification (International Classification of Goods and Services for the Purposes of the Registration of Marks), administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). It divides all goods and services into 45 classes: Classes 1–34 cover goods, and Classes 35–45 cover services. When you file a China trademark application through CNIPA, you must designate one or more classes and list the specific goods or services within each class using standard item names. On top of the Nice Classification, CNIPA publishes the Similar Goods and Services Distinction Table, which further splits each class into “similar groups” with four-digit codes and assigns a six-digit number to each standard item. Items within the same similar group are presumed similar, which matters when CNIPA examines whether your mark conflicts with earlier marks. The table also adds China-specific standard names (marked with a “C” prefix) that do not appear in the international Nice list.What is the Nice Classification?
The Nice Classification, established by the Nice Agreement (1957) and administered by WIPO, is the international system used by more than 150 countries for classifying goods and services in trademark registration. It is revised annually, with a new edition every five years. The current version in force is the 13th edition, NCL 13-2026, effective from 1 January 2026. China adopts each new version through CNIPA.Goods classes vs. service classes
Goods classes (1–34) cover physical products, from chemicals (Class 1) and paints (Class 2) through machinery (Class 7), clothing (Class 25) and food (Classes 29–33). Service classes (35–45) cover activities such as advertising and business management (Class 35), insurance and finance (Class 36), telecommunications (Class 38), education and entertainment (Class 41), and legal services (Class 45). Choosing the right class is essential: filing in the wrong class leaves your brand unprotected where you actually do business.Why the correct class matters for China trademark registration
CNIPA examines each application against the goods and services you designate. If a name is vague, overly broad, or not in the standard item list, the examiner may issue an office action asking you to amend it. Registering in the right classes — and the right similar groups within those classes — determines the scope of your protection against confusingly similar marks. A proper China trademark registration strategy typically covers your core class plus related classes where infringement or brand extension is likely. Need help choosing classes, drafting goods-and-services descriptions, or handling a CNIPA office action? Dan Young Business Consultancy manages China trademark search, filing, prosecution and enforcement for foreign companies. Use the tool above to select your items, then contact us for a clearance search and filing strategy.Frequently Asked Questions
How many trademark classes are there in China?
China follows the international Nice Classification, which has 45 classes. Classes 1–34 cover goods and Classes 35–45 cover services. A China trademark application must designate at least one class and the specific goods or services within it.
How do I find the right trademark class for my product?
Type your product or service name into the search box above — in English or Chinese — or click through the 45 classes to browse their groups. Select the items you need, then copy them all at once for your application.
What is the Nice Classification version currently in force in China?
The 13th edition, NCL 13-2026, is in force from 1 January 2026. CNIPA updates the Similar Goods and Services Distinction Table each year to match the new Nice version. Applications are classified according to the version in force on the filing date.
Can I register one trademark in multiple classes?
Yes. You can file a single China trademark application covering multiple classes (a multi-class application), paying additional official fees per class. Most brands cover their core class plus related classes to prevent third parties from registering confusingly similar marks in neighbouring categories.
What is a similar group (similar group) in the China classification table?
A similar group is a subdivision within a class used by CNIPA to determine similarity between goods or services. Items in the same similar group are generally presumed similar, which affects conflict examination. The four-digit group code and six-digit item numbers are shown in the results above.
Do I need to use the exact standard item name in my application?
It is strongly recommended to use the standard names in CNIPA’s Similar Goods and Services Distinction Table, as they are pre-approved and unlikely to trigger an office action. You may propose a non-standard name, but it must be clear, specific and consistent with the classification principles. Dan Young Business Consultancy can draft compliant descriptions for you.
Registering a Trademark in China?
Dan Young Business Consultancy provides full China trademark services — clearance search, Chinese-name selection, filing, prosecution, opposition and enforcement. We help foreign brands secure and defend their marks across the right classes from day one.
