UAE Adopts 13th Edition of the Nice Classification: Essential Updates for Trademark Owners Effective 27 January 2026

The UAE Trademark Department, under the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, has officially adopted the 13th Edition of the Nice Classification of Goods and Services (2026) as the mandatory system for trademark registrations. This update takes effect for all new trademark applications filed on or after 27 January 2026.

This aligns the UAE with international standards set by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), whose 13th Edition enters into force globally on 1 January 2026.

What is the Nice Classification?

The Nice Classification is an internationally standardized system for categorizing goods and services in trademark applications. Administered by WIPO, it divides products and services into 45 classes (34 for goods and 11 for services). It promotes consistency across jurisdictions, helping trademark offices assess similarity of marks, determine the scope of protection, and facilitate international filings under the Madrid Protocol. New editions are published approximately every three years to reflect technological, commercial, and societal developments.

Effective Date and Requirements in the UAE

From 27 January 2026, all new trademark applications submitted to the UAE Trademark Office must use the 13th Edition class headings, explanatory notes, and product/service categorizations. Applications filed before this date continue under the previous edition (noted as superseding the 10th Edition in UAE practice).

Incorrect class selection or failure to update specifications in line with the new edition may result in office actions, examination delays, provisional refusals, or narrower protection than intended. Existing registrations are not automatically reclassified.

Key Changes in the 13th Edition

The 13th Edition introduces reclassifications, clarifications, and new entries to better reflect current usage and technology. Notable examples relevant to common UAE filings include:

• Eyewear: Corrective glasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses move from Class 9 (scientific instruments) to Class 10 (medical/surgical apparatus and instruments), recognizing their health-related function (with potential distinctions for smart eyewear).
• Essential Oils: Classification depends on intended use — cosmetic preparations in Class 3, food flavorings in Class 30, and pharmaceutical/medical preparations in Class 5.
• Emergency Vehicles: Fire engines, fireboats, and lifeboats shift from Class 9 to Class 12 (vehicles).
• Electric Heating Products: Electrically heated garments, socks, and footmuffs move from Class 11 (heating apparatus) to Class 25 (clothing), unless for protective/medical use.
• Electric Toothbrushes: Reclassified from Class 10 to Class 21 (household utensils and containers).

Additional updates include new services such as “Artificial intelligence as a service (AIaaS)” in Class 42, reflecting advancements in technology.

Applicants should carefully review the full list of modifications on the official WIPO platform, as further amendments affect various classes.

Accessing the 13th Edition

• UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism: Download the official Arabic/English PDF of the 13th Edition Nice Classification from the Trademark Services section (https://services.economy.ae/m/Handlers/GetFileHandler.ashx?H=a2c3592c8f73753a77788783bcfc5b4986d504c85f602c1a47b48c76e194fce0&FileType=2&WorkflowID=0&NotificationAttachmentID=&KnowledgeBaseTopicAttachmentID=0&WFCDocumentID=129&AttachmentInstanceID=0&ExtraInfo=&CategoryID=4&AttachmentID=0&SettingFileAttachmentID=0&UniqueRequestID=3a2158b5-7da0-4aec-a156-0dca4fb664ae ).
• WIPO Official Resources: Full alphabetical list, class headings, explanatory notes, and modification tables are available on the WIPO website (nclpub.wipo.int). Examination guidelines and Information Notice 37/2025 provide further details.

Why This Update Matters

Adopting the 13th Edition harmonizes UAE practice with global norms, enhances precision in defining trademark scope, reduces ambiguity in opposition and infringement proceedings, and supports enforcement in an increasingly digital and tech-driven economy. For businesses, accurate classification strengthens protection, prevents dilution of rights, and eases multi-jurisdictional filings.

Trademark owners planning new filings or expansions should reassess goods/services descriptions now. Portfolio audits are advisable, particularly for reclassified items (e.g., eyewear brands, essential oil manufacturers, vehicle safety products, clothing with heating elements, or oral care devices). Early compliance avoids procedural hurdles and ensures robust protection.

This update underscores the UAE’s commitment to modern, internationally aligned IP frameworks. Staying proactive ensures your trademarks remain effective tools for brand protection and commercial success.