China Customs can seize counterfeit goods at the border if your trademark or design patent is recorded with it. The recordal itself has no official fee, and it is one of the most underused protection tools for foreign brands.
What recordal does
Once recorded, China Customs watches exports and imports for goods that infringe your registered right. When a suspicious shipment appears, customs can detain it and notify you, giving you time to decide whether to pursue enforcement.
Who can record
You need a valid registered trademark or design patent in China. The recordal stays valid for the life of the underlying right, so a 10-year trademark registration means up to 10 years of border protection, and the recordal itself is free of official fees.
How to apply
- Apply through the GACC intellectual property recordal system online
- Provide your registration details, applicant information and a power of attorney
- Update the record when the applicant name or the right changes
Practical tips
Recordal works best as part of a wider setup: a registered trademark or design patent, monitoring to spot conflicts early, and recordal at the border. We file customs recordal as a standalone service, and the pricing page lists it at $199. Contact us and we will confirm whether your registration qualifies.
