How do I choose China trademark classes for beauty and personal-care products?
Start from the exact products and services, not a generic 'beauty' label. Non-medicated cosmetics and toiletries commonly begin in Class 3, while medicated products, tools, devices, retail or treatment services may require other classes. China coverage turns on the accepted items and similarity groups selected within each class.
Why it matters
Put the question in the right procedure and timeline
China trademark work is driven by filing position, the selected goods and services, and procedural stage. As of 29 July 2026, the 2019 Trademark Law remains operative; the revised 2026 law takes effect on 1 January 2027.
What changes the answer
What can change the answer
A product's marketing name may not reveal its classification. Check ingredients, intended use, sales model and current CNIPA accepted terms SKU by SKU.
Do not act on the summary alone for a live matter. An official record, service date, document version, party identity or transitional rule can change the conclusion.
What to prepare
Prepare these three points
- 01
A SKU list separating cosmetics, medicated products, tools, devices, retail and treatment services.
- 02
Ingredient claims, intended uses and regulatory positioning for borderline products.
- 03
Current sales channels and the products or services planned during the next two to three years.
Next step
Apply the answer to your actual record
Search the proposed marks and identify conflicts by goods and services.
Check whether this fact changes the answer: A product's marketing name may not reveal its classification. Check ingredients, intended use, sales model and current CNIPA accepted terms SKU by SKU.
Calendar examination, opposition, review and renewal milestones.
Official sources
Official sources used for this article
These links lead to original CNIPA, WIPO or Supreme People's Court materials. Check the latest text, effective date and matter-specific procedure when acting.
- CNIPA Guidance on classification of trademark goods and services
- CNIPA Trademark Law of the People's Republic of China, 2019 text
Prepared and checked by Zhiquan IP against the listed primary materials. Cross-check the organization and contact details on the Credentials page.