ACA Hosts FCC Tanzania Delegation for Training on Trademark Recordation

The Executive Director of the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), Robi M. King’a, PhD, has welcomed a delegation from the Fair Competition Commission (FCC) of Tanzania to Kenya for a week-long training programme focused on Trademark Recordation processes and procedures.
The delegation is led by Mr. Salvatory Chuwa, Acting Director of Anti-Counterfeit at the FCC, and comprises senior officials drawn from key departments including enforcement, surveillance, and internal audit. The visit aims to strengthen institutional collaboration and provide practical insights into Kenya’s implementation of the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Recordation Programme.

Welcoming the delegation, Dr. King’a noted that engagements between enforcement institutions in the region are important in strengthening collective efforts against counterfeit trade and protecting legitimate markets.
“We are pleased to host our colleagues from the Fair Competition Commission of Tanzania. Engagements such as this provide an important platform for our institutions to exchange practical experiences and strengthen cooperation in protecting intellectual property rights and safeguarding legitimate trade in the region,” said Dr. King’a.
Dr. King’a highlighted that the Anti-Counterfeit Authority has been implementing the IPR Recordation Programme since 2022, an initiative designed to enhance monitoring of imported goods and strengthen enforcement against counterfeit products entering the Kenyan market.
“The recordation of intellectual property rights with the Authority has become an important enforcement tool. By requiring trademarks associated with imported goods to be recorded, the system supports monitoring at the point of importation and strengthens coordination with customs authorities,” he added.
He further noted that the programme has continued to gain traction among rights holders, with the Authority generating approximately KSh 400 million in revenue through the recordation system since its introduction.
During the engagement, Mr. Salvatory Chuwa shared insights into Tanzania’s progress in implementing its trademark recording system, noting that the FCC established an Electronic Recorded Trademark Register in 2025 to support enforcement and compliance monitoring.
According to Mr. Chuwa, the system enables inspectors to instantly verify the authenticity of trademarks, confirm the country of origin of products, and identify authorized manufacturers before goods are allowed into the market.
He explained that products suspected to be counterfeit are immediately detained and seizure notices issued, with offenders facing penalties including fines, confiscation, and destruction of counterfeit goods.
On compliance requirements, Mr. Chuwa noted that trademark owners are required to submit applications to the FCC together with relevant documentation. The Chief Trademark Inspector reviews the applications within 21 days, after which approved trademarks are entered into the official register.
However, he highlighted potential challenges including limited awareness among some importers and small-scale traders about the trademark recording process, reliance on digital systems, and the possibility of illicit traders using informal border routes.
“This initiative has significant benefits for the nation as it protects consumer safety, strengthens fair competition in legitimate trade, increases government revenue, curbs tax evasion, and boosts investor confidence,” Mr. Chuwa said.
The week-long engagement will see technical officers from the Anti-Counterfeit Authority take the FCC delegation through Kenya’s legal framework, operational procedures, and practical implementation of the trademark recordation programme, including coordination with customs authorities and enforcement mechanisms used to monitor imports.
The Fair Competition Commission (FCC) is Tanzania’s statutory authority responsible for promoting fair competition in trade and protecting consumers from unfair market practices, including counterfeit goods and other forms of illicit trade.