Why Customs Recordation Matters

China is the world's largest exporter of goods. Every year, billions of products leave Chinese ports — including counterfeit goods bearing infringing trademarks. Customs recordation (备案, bèi'àn) of your trademark with the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) creates a frontline defense: customs officers actively inspect and detain suspected counterfeit goods before they leave China.

How It Works

1. Record your trademark: Submit your Chinese trademark registration certificate and supporting documents to GACC's online IP recordation system.
2. Customs monitors shipments: GACC integrates your trademark data into its Risk Management System, flagging shipments containing your mark.
3. Suspension of release: If customs officers suspect a shipment contains counterfeits, they suspend its release and notify you (the rights holder).
4. Inspection and confirmation: You (or your agent) inspect the goods within 3 working days and confirm whether they are counterfeit.
5. Seizure or release: If confirmed as counterfeit, customs seizes the goods. If not, the goods are released.

Requirements for Recordation

• Valid Chinese trademark registration: Pending applications cannot be recorded — you need the registration certificate.
• Power of Attorney: If filing through an agent, a notarized POA is required.
• Detailed product information: Images of genuine products, packaging, authorized manufacturers, and typical shipping routes.
• Distinguishing features: Key differences between genuine and counterfeit goods to assist customs identification.

Cost and Timeline

• Official fee: Free — GACC does not charge for recordation
• Agent fee (if applicable): Typically RMB 2,000-5,000
• Processing time: 30 working days from submission
• Validity: 10 years (matching the trademark registration validity), renewable

Best Practices

• Record all registered marks: Don't just record your primary mark — include all registered variants.
• Update product information regularly: New authorized manufacturers, changed packaging, or new product lines should be updated in the recordation.
• Provide training materials: Some customs offices offer training sessions where you can educate officers on spotting your brand's counterfeits.
• Respond quickly to notifications: The 3-working-day inspection window is strict. Have a Chinese representative ready to inspect detained goods on short notice.

Limitations

Customs recordation only covers goods crossing the Chinese border — it does NOT stop domestic counterfeits sold within China. For domestic enforcement, use platform complaint mechanisms, administrative raids, or civil litigation.