China Trademark Goods & Services Classification Guide
Learn how to correctly classify goods and services for China trademark registration. Updated CNIPA rules, subclass risks, naming standards, and practical guidance for foreign applicants to avoid rejection and enforcement failure.
Correctly classifying goods and services is one of the most critical — and most underestimated — steps in China trademark registration.
Important Notice for Foreign Applicants
Many foreign applicants assume that selecting the correct Nice Class number is enough. In China, this assumption is incomplete.
China applies the Nice Classification, but examination is conducted based on the CNIPA Similar Goods and Services Distinction Table, including its similar-group (subclass) system and officially accepted wording. A trademark may be registered yet still offer limited effective protection if goods or services are incorrectly classified or poorly named.
This guide reflects current CNIPA examination practice and is designed to help foreign applicants accurately classify and name goods and services, reduce rejection risk, and build enforceable trademark rights in China. For a deeper analysis of how similar groups affect similarity assessment, see our companion guide: China Trademark Subclass System (Similar Groups): What Foreign Applicants Need to Know.
1 Goods & Services Classification in China: The Legal Framework
1.1 Nice Classification: The Basic Framework
China is a member of the Nice Union and adopts the International Classification of Goods and Services for the Registration of Marks (Nice Classification).
See the Full list of China trademark classification. The Nice Classification is revised periodically and serves as the basic classification framework for all China trademark applications.
For class-by-class similar group breakdowns and accepted wording, you can also consult the individual class PDFs, for example: Class 05 subclasses, Class 09 subclasses, Class 25 subclasses, or Class 35 subclasses. The same pattern applies from Class 01 through Class 45.
1.2 China-Specific: Similar Goods and Services Distinction Table
The China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) further refines the Nice Classification by:
The Distinction Table serves as a central reference in China trademark examination for classifying goods and services and assessing their similarity relationships.
Each class generally includes:
- Class Headings – defining general scope
- [Notes] – explaining inclusions and exclusions
- Standard Names – officially recognized goods/services wording
Important Practice Note
Applicants should generally use the Distinction Table version in force on the filing date. Using obsolete terms may lead to rejection. Reference: Similar Goods and Services Classification Table — Based on the 12th Edition of the Nice Classification (2025 Version). To help foreign users view and select classes more easily, we have translated the classifications from the CNIPA online trademark registration system into an English document: China Trademark Classification 2026.
2 Why Classification Matters More in China Than Elsewhere
For foreign applicants, classification and naming issues in China can contribute to:
2.1 Same Nice Class Does Not Mean the Same Protection
The same Nice Class does not necessarily provide the same scope of protection. Within a class, China further organizes goods and services into similar groups, and the relationship between specific goods or services can affect examination and enforcement.
However, similar-group boundaries should not be treated as an automatic rule that determines whether two trademarks will conflict. CNIPA may also apply cross-search provisions and consider the nature, function, purpose, composition, and other characteristics of the goods or services at issue. In practice, similarity assessment is fact-specific and may involve factors beyond the similar-group listing alone.
For a detailed discussion of how similar groups and cross-group references work, see: China Trademark Subclass System (Similar Groups): What Foreign Applicants Need to Know.
2.2 Common Foreign Applicant Mistakes
Approach: When CTMAA assists foreign clients with trademark registration in China, we align the list of goods and services with the CNIPA classification system to reduce the risk of rejection caused by incorrect selection or wording. For broader brand-protection context, see our Foreign Brand China Entry Legal Risk Series.
3 How to Classify Goods & Services in China (Step-by-Step)
Start with Nice Classification
China classifies goods and services within the 45-class framework of the Nice Classification. Other industry or regulatory classifications are generally not relevant for trademark purposes.
Verify Against the Distinction Table
- If the goods or services are listed as Standard Names, using them directly is generally preferred.
- If the goods or services are not listed, their classification and wording should be assessed by reference to:
- Class headings and [Notes]
- The characteristics, function, purpose, and use of the goods or services
- Comparable standard items in the Distinction Table
- Applicable classification practice
Formatted as follows:
“Class 5: [CNIPA item code] [goods name], [CNIPA item code] [goods name] …”
“Class 35: …”
Determine Purpose, Function, and Use
This step is particularly important when goods or services may fall under multiple classes.
The same product name does not necessarily determine the trademark class. Classification may depend on the product’s function, purpose, composition, intended use, material, and other relevant characteristics.
Assess Similar Group Risk (China-Specific)
Even if classification is correct, wording may place the item in a different similar group, which may affect enforcement and conflict outcomes. Similar-group analysis is one relevant factor, but not the only one.
Learn more: China Trademark Subclass System (Similar Groups). Before filing, you may also conduct a China trademark search or use the China trademark database / online search.
4 Fundamental Classification Principles
4.1 Goods Classification
Finished Products
Depending on the type of goods, classification may take into account primary function, intended use, material, composition, or other relevant characteristics.
Multi-functional Goods
Often classified by dominant function or purpose
Composite Materials
Often classified by predominant material or composition
4.2 Services Classification
Services are generally classified based on:
Advertising vs. Entertainment
Franchising Services
In China’s brand protection landscape, Class 35 is often described in commercial discussions as a “universal trademark class.” While this is not an official classification concept, the description reflects the importance of Class 35 for advertising, e-commerce, retail, franchising, and business consulting. Learn more: China Class 35 Trademark — The Complete Guide for Foreign Applicants: Definition, Strategy & Risk Prevention
5 How to Name Goods & Services CNIPA Will Accept
5.1 Priority: Use Standard Names
Applicants should generally prioritize Standard Names listed in the Distinction Table. Standard Names are preferred because they are recognized by CNIPA and reduce examination risk — but they are not the only possible wording.
Only the specific name should be entered — not:
5.2 Using Non-Standard Names (When Necessary)
Other names may be accepted if they meet all of the following:
Supplementary explanations may be submitted, but generally cannot cure defective names.
6 Naming Do’s and Don’ts (Based on CNIPA Practice)
Generally Acceptable
Generally Unacceptable
Separately, China trademark law contains absolute grounds and prohibited-subject rules that apply independent of classification. Those issues — such as gambling, betting, divination, or certain religious or ethnic references — are examined under distinct legal provisions and are outside the scope of this goods-and-services classification guide. For those topics, dedicated articles on China Trademark Absolute Grounds are more appropriate.
7 Typical Classification and Naming Problems
8 FAQ: Goods & Services Classification in China
Q1: Can I use the same goods and services description as my EU or US trademark application?
In many cases, no.
China does not examine trademarks based solely on Nice Class numbers. CNIPA examiners rely on the Distinction Table and its similar-group system. Descriptions commonly accepted in the EU or US may:
- Fall into a different similar group in China
- Be considered vague or overly broad
- Result in partial rejection or limited effective protection
Q2: If my trademark is successfully registered, does that mean I am fully protected in China?
Not necessarily.
A trademark can be registered yet still fail to:
- Block infringing marks in practice
- Cover your core products or services
- Support administrative enforcement or litigation
This may happen when goods or services are misclassified or placed in an unintended similar group.
Q3: Can I simply select the class heading to get broader protection?
You should not rely on Nice Class headings as a substitute for specific goods or services descriptions.
China requires applicants to identify the specific goods or services for which protection is sought, and the wording should correspond to the current Chinese classification system. Relying on class headings may result in rejection or in protection that does not cover your actual commercial activity.
You must list specific, clearly defined goods or services using CNIPA-recognized wording.
Q4: What is the difference between a trademark class and a similar group in China?
A class refers to one of the 45 Nice Classes (1–34 for goods, 35–45 for services). A similar group (also called a subclass) is a subdivision within a class used by CNIPA to organize goods or services that are considered related for examination purposes.
Two items may be in the same class but different similar groups — and vice versa, cross-group references may exist. For details, see China Trademark Subclass System (Similar Groups).
Q5: Do I need to register in every similar group?
Not necessarily every group — but you should cover the groups that correspond to your actual or planned business.
Registering in only one similar group may leave gaps if your commercial activity spans multiple groups. Conversely, filing in unrelated groups may increase costs without necessarily providing meaningful protection for the applicant’s actual business. The right scope depends on your products, services, distribution model, and enforcement strategy.
Q6: What happens if my goods or services fall into multiple possible classes?
CNIPA will not resolve ambiguity on your behalf.
If a description can reasonably fall into multiple classes or similar groups, it may be:
- Rejected for lack of clarity
- Interpreted narrowly by the examiner
- Assigned to an unintended similar group
Strategic classification and precise naming are generally required to avoid losing protection.
Q7: Is it safer to use only Standard Names from the Distinction Table?
Using Standard Names is generally safer, but not always sufficient.
Some Standard Names:
- Offer protection in relatively narrow similar groups
- Do not cover emerging business models
- May exclude your actual commercial use
Professional review is often needed to:
- Combine Standard Names strategically
- Add acceptable non-standard names where necessary
- Align protection scope with real business activities
Q8: Can I fix classification or naming problems after filing?
Correction options are extremely limited after filing.
In most cases:
- Goods and services generally cannot be expanded or substantively changed
- Errors may require new applications, new fees, and new timelines
Q9: Do I need professional help if my application seems straightforward?
Many applications appear simple but may face issues due to:
- Similar-group conflicts
- Overlooked China-specific restrictions
- Inconsistent wording across related goods or services
Professional classification review can help you:
9 Final Check Before You File in China
Before submitting your China trademark application, ask yourself:
If you are uncertain about any of the above, your application may carry avoidable risk.
10 Work With a China Trademark Classification Specialist
China trademark protection begins before filing — not after rejection.
A targeted classification review can help you:
Need help selecting goods and services for a China trademark application?
CTMAA can review your products or services against the current Chinese classification system and help identify appropriate classes, similar groups, and acceptable descriptions.
Related Reading
- Complete Guide to Trademark Registration in China
- China Trademark Subclass System (Similar Groups): What Foreign Applicants Need to Know
- How to Correctly Select Goods and Services in China Trademark Classification
- China Trademark First-to-File Principle
- China Trademark Risks in OEM Manufacturing
- Brand Already Registered in China? What to Do
- China Trademark Tips for Amazon FBA Sellers
- Chinese Name Strategy for China Trademark Registration
