---
title: "South Africa adopts the 13th Edition of the Nice Classification"
description: "South Africa has adopted the 13th Edition (Version 2026) of the Nice Classification, effective from 1 January 2026."
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canonical: https://spoor.com/13th-edition-of-the-nice-classification/
url: https://spoor.getmd.ai/13th-edition-of-the-nice-classification/.md
last_converted: 2026-05-13T18:44:34.470Z
---

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South Africa adopts the 13th Edition of the Nice Classification

# South Africa adopts the 13th Edition of the Nice Classification

Spoor & Fisher
- 9 January 2026
[Nice Classification](https://spoor.com/tag/nice-classification/), [Trade Marks](https://spoor.com/tag/trade-marks/),

South Africa has adopted the 13th Edition (Version 2026) of the Nice Classification, effective from 1 January 2026. The new version applies to all trade mark applications filed from this date onwards, and applicants should carefully review the updated classifications when preparing international [trade mark applications](https://spoor.com/service/trade-marks/).

As explained by [WIPO](https://www.wipo.int/en/web/classification-nice), the Nice Classification is the international classification of goods and services used for the registration of marks. New editions are published every five years, with annual updates to each edition.

The new edition introduces several adjustments to the classification of goods and services, including the reclassification of certain products and services into different classes compared to previous editions. This continues the trend towards aligning trade mark classification with the functional use of goods and services, rather than their form or traditional industry association.

## Nice Classification 13th Edition: Which classes have changed?

### Class 1

Chemicals for use in industry, science and photography, as well as in agriculture, horticulture and forestry; Unprocessed artificial resins, unprocessed plastics; Fire extinguishing and fire prevention compositions; Tempering and soldering preparations; Substances for tanning animal skins and hides; Adhesives for use in industry; Putties and other paste fillers; Compost, manures, fertilizers; Biological preparations for use in industry and science.

### Class 3

Non-medicated cosmetics and toiletry preparations; non-medicated dentifrices; Perfumery, essential oils **Perfumes**; Bleaching preparations and other substances for laundry use; Cleaning, polishing and abrasive preparations.

### Class 5

Pharmaceuticals, medical and veterinary preparations; Sanitary preparations for medical purposes; Dietetic food and substances adapted for medical or veterinary use **purposes**, food for babies; Dietary supplements for human beings and animals; **Adhesive **plasters, materials for dressings; Material for stopping **filling** teeth, dental wax; Disinfectants; Preparations for destroying vermin; Fungicides, herbicides.

### Class 8

Hand**-operated hand** tools and implements, hand-operated; Cutlery; Side arms, except firearms; Razors.

### Class 9

Scientific, research, navigation, surveying, photographic, cinematographic, audiovisual, optical, weighing, measuring, signalling, detecting, testing, inspecting, life-saving and teaching apparatus and instruments; Apparatus and instruments for conducting, switching, transforming, accumulating, regulating or controlling the distribution or use of electricity; Apparatus and instruments for recording, transmitting, reproducing or processing sound, images or data; recorded and downloadable media **multimedia files**, computer software, blank digital or analogue recording and storage media; Mechanisms for coin-operated apparatus; cash registers, calculating devices; Computers and computer peripheral devices; Diving suits, divers’ masks, ear plugs for divers, nose clips for divers and swimmers, gloves for divers, breathing apparatus for underwater swimming; Fire-extinguishing apparatus.

### Class 10

Surgical, medical, dental and veterinary apparatus and instruments; Artificial limbs, eyes and teeth; **Spectacles, contact lenses and sunglasses**; Orthopaedic articles; Suture materials; Therapeutic and assistive devices adapted for persons with disabilities; Massage apparatus; Apparatus, devices and articles for nursing infants; Sexual activity apparatus, devices and articles.

### Class 26

Lace, braid and embroidery, and haberdashery ribbons and bows; Buttons, hooks and eyes, pins and needles; Artificial flowers; Hair decorations; False hair.

### Class 29

Meat, fish, poultry and game; Meat extracts** for culinary purposes**; Preserved, frozen, dried and cooked fruits**, vegetables** and vegetables **seaweeds**; Jellies, jams, compotes; eggs; Milk, cheese, butter, yogurt and other milk products; oils and fats for food.

### Class 45

Legal services; Security services for the physical protection of tangible property and individuals; **Dating services, online social networking services; funerary services; babysitting.**

The full publication, including the archived editions, can be found [here](https://nclpub.wipo.int/enfr/). [Contact us](https://spoor.com/contact-us/) for more information on how this may impact your intellectual property.