The Nice Classification of Goods and Services (NCL), established in 1957, is the international system for classifying goods and services for trademark registration, ensuring consistency across jurisdictions, particularly for Madrid Protocol filings.

Although Thailand is not a party to the Nice Agreement, the Thai Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) has applied the NCL as a reference framework since the 10th Edition. Revised annually since 2013, the 13th Edition took effect on 1 January 2026 and has been implemented in Thailand under the Minister of Commerce’s Notification dated 14 September 2025.

The 13th Edition realigns goods and services by function and purpose, without limiting the Registrar’s discretion to object to unclear or overly broad specifications under Thai Trademark Act and practice.

1. The trademark classification system in Thailand 

In Thailand, the description of goods and services is critical to a successful trademark application. Many applications are refused due to non-compliance with Section 9 of the Thai Trademark Act, the Trademark Examination Guidelines, and Thai practice.

Section 9 allows applications to cover one or multiple classes, provided the goods or services are clearly and specifically identified. Applicants should avoid vague or overly broad wording, including class headings and most sub-class headings, as well as unpermitted expressions such as “including,” “such as,” and “namely.” Overly detailed descriptions may also unnecessarily narrow protection or cause misclassification.

Amendments after filing are strictly limited. Under Section 52, applicants may delete goods or services that have already been registered. However, additions or amendments are allowed only to clarify the original specification and must not broaden its scope. Reclassification is not permitted. Incorrectly classified goods must be deleted and, if necessary, protected through a new application.

Accordingly, careful review of classifications and descriptions prior to filing is essential to ensure compliance with Thai law and practice.

2. Key updates to goods and services classifications in Thailand under the 13th Edition of NCL

According to the Notification of the Minister of Commerce on the Classification of Goods and Services dated 14^th November 2025, the notification introduces several notable reclassifications of goods in accordance with the 13^th Edition of the Nice Classification, as follows:

• Goods relating to eyewearpreviously classified under Class 9 have been reclassified to Class 10. Examples include:

Item	Original Class		Updated Class
eyeglasses	Class 9		Class 10
sunglasses	Class 9		Class 10
contact lenses	Class 9		Class 10

 

• Goods relating to rescue vehicles previously classified under Class 9 have been reclassified to Class 12. Examples include:

Item	Original Class		Updated Class
fire engines	Class 9		Class 12
fire boats	Class 9		Class 12
lifeboats	Class 9		Class 12

 

• Goods relating to previously electrically heated clothingclassified under Class 11 have been reclassified to Class 25, including:

Item	Original Class		Updated Class
electrically heated clothing	Class 11		Class 25
socks, electrically heated	Class 11		Class 25
footmuffs, electrically heated	Class 11		Class 25

 

• Other minor reclassifications include, for example:

Item	Original Class		Updated Class
terpenes	Class 3		Class 1
surf skis	Class 28		Class 12
buttercream (icing)	Class 29		Class 30

For applications filed before 31 January 2026, the original classification may be maintained, but registered marks will be reclassified in accordance with the 13th Edition upon renewal.

Conclusion

The 13th Edition of the Nice Classification, effective in Thailand from 1 January 2026, realigns goods and services without changing examination standards. New filings must comply, while earlier filings may retain their classification until renewal. Trademark owners should review their specifications to avoid objections or delays.