Trademark classifications of goods and service in Vietnam

The classification of goods and services in a trademark application plays an important role in determining the scope of trademark protection. Currently, member states of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) apply the Nice Classification under the Nice Agreement. From January 1, 2026, Nice Classification Version 13-2026 officially enters into force. In Vietnam, the Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam (IPVN) has updated its practice to apply this latest version. The article below is a guide to the classification of goods and services for trademark in Vietnam.

Legal basis for trademark classification

According to Article 87 of the Law on Intellectual Property:

Goods and services in a trademark application must be classified under the International Classification of Goods and Services under the Nice Agreement.

According to Decree No. 65/2023/ND-CP (Application Form No. 08 – Appendix I), applicants are required to:

• Correctly classify goods/services according to the NICE version that applies at the filing date
• Clearly list specific goods/services

Classification fees (According to Circular 263/2016/TT-BTC, as amended by Circular 31/2020/TT-BTC). The current classification fees are:

• VND 100,000 per class (≤ 6 goods/services)
• VND 20,000 for each product/service from the 7th item onward in the same class

If goods/services are incorrectly classified or not classified, the IP Office will reclassify and charge additional fees.

Guidance on filling in the classification section

To comply with legal requirements, avoid unnecessary costs, and prevent delays, applicants should carefully and accurately classify goods and services. The optimal solution is to seek assistance from experienced industrial property representatives, such as Viet An Law Firm, an industrial property representative.

Application of the Nice Classification Version 13-2026 in Vietnam
Vietnam officially applies the International Classification of Goods and Services under the Nice Agreement (version 13-2026) issued by WIPO, effective from January 1, 2026. The Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam will apply this updated version to all trademark registration procedures from that date onward.

Significance of the 13-2026 update

The Nice Classification system includes:

• 45 classes total

• • Classes 1-34: Goods
  • Classes 35-45: Services

Version 13-2026 has been updated to:

• Adjust class descriptions in line with modern commercial practices
• Add digital technology fields, AI, digital platforms, and online services
• Clarify the scope of certain specialised goods/services
• Remove or revise outdated terminology

Impact of Nice 13-2026 on trademark applications in Vietnam

Applications filed from January 1, 2026, onward

• Must be classified according to Nice 13-2026
• If classified under an older version → amendment will be required

Applications filed before January 1, 2026

• Will continue to be processed under the version applicable at the filing date
• No mandatory reclassification required

Important considerations for applicants in 2026
Applicants should:

• Review the intended list of goods/services for 2026 filings
• Check whether previous descriptions have changed in wording or scope
• Technology companies, e-commerce businesses, and digital platforms should pay special attention to the updated version
• When expanding business activities, consider a multi-class registration strategy

Key sectors affected by the new version

Examples include:

• SaaS software, cloud computing platforms (typically Class 42)
• E-commerce services (Class 35)
• Downloadable digital content (Class 9)
• Online education services (Class 41)
• Digital financial services, fintech (Class 36)

Structure of the Nice Classification (45 Classes)

The classification system consists of:

• Classes 1-34: Goods
• Classes 35-45: Services

Goods (Classes 1–34)

• Class 1: Chemicals used in industry, science and photography, as well as in agriculture, horticulture and forestry; unprocessed artificial resins and plastics; fire extinguishing and fire prevention compositions; tempering and soldering preparations; tanning substances; adhesives used in industry; mastics and other paste fillers; compost, manure, fertilisers; biological preparations for use in industry and science.
• Class 2: Paints, varnishes, lacquers; preservatives against rust and against deterioration of wood; colourants, dyes; inks for printing, marking and engraving; raw natural resins; metals in foil and powder form for use in painting, decorating, printing and art.
• Class 3: Non-medicated cosmetics and toiletry preparations; non-medicated dentifrices; perfumery and essential oils; bleaching preparations and other substances for laundry use; cleaning, polishing, scouring and abrasive preparations.
• Class 4: Industrial oils and greases, wax; lubricants; dust absorbing, wetting and binding compositions; fuels and illuminants; candles and wicks for lighting.
• Class 5: Pharmaceutical, medical and veterinary preparations; sanitary preparations for medical purposes; dietetic food and substances for medical or veterinary use, baby food; dietary supplements for humans and animals; plasters and materials for dressings; dental materials and wax; disinfectants; preparations for destroying vermin; fungicides and herbicides.
• Class 6: Common metals and their alloys, ores; metal building materials; transportable metal buildings; non-electric cables and wires of common metal; small items of metal hardware; metal containers for storage or transport; safes.
• Class 7: Machines and machine tools; motors and engines (except for land vehicles); machine coupling and transmission components (except for land vehicles); agricultural implements (other than hand-operated); incubators for eggs; automatic vending machines.
• Class 8: Hand tools and implements (hand-operated); cutlery; side arms (except firearms); razors.
• Class 9: Scientific, research, navigation, surveying, photographic, cinematographic, audiovisual, optical, weighing, measuring, signaling, detecting, testing, inspecting, life-saving and teaching apparatus and instruments; apparatus for conducting, switching, transforming, accumulating, regulating or controlling electricity; apparatus for recording, transmitting, reproducing or processing sound, images or data; downloadable and recorded media, computer software, blank digital storage media; coin-operated mechanisms; cash registers, calculating machines, computers and peripherals; diving suits and equipment; fire-extinguishing apparatus.
• Class 10: Surgical, medical, dental and veterinary apparatus and instruments; prosthetics; orthopaedic articles; suture materials; assistive and therapeutic devices for persons with disabilities; massage apparatus; infant care devices; sexual activity apparatus and devices.
• Class 11: Apparatus and installations for lighting, heating, cooling, steam generating, cooking, drying, ventilating, water supply and sanitary purposes.
• Class 12: Vehicles; apparatus for locomotion by land, air or water.
• Class 13: Firearms; ammunition and projectiles; explosives; fireworks.
• Class 14: Precious metals and alloys; jewellery and precious stones; horological and chronometric instruments.
• Class 15: Musical instruments; music stands, and instrument stands; conductors’ batons.
• Class 16: Paper and cardboard; printed matter; bookbinding materials; photographs; stationery and office requisites (except furniture); adhesives for stationery or household purposes; artists’ materials; paintbrushes; instructional and teaching materials; plastic sheets and bags for packaging; printing blocks.
• Class 17: Rubber, gutta-percha, gum, asbestos, mica and substitutes; plastics in extruded form for use in manufacture; packing, sealing and insulating materials; non-metallic flexible pipes.
• Class 18: Leather and imitations of leather; animal skins and hides; luggage and bags; umbrellas and parasols; walking sticks; whips and saddlery; collars, leashes and clothing for animals.
• Class 19: Non-metallic building materials; non-metallic rigid pipes for building; asphalt, pitch, tar and bitumen; transportable buildings (non-metallic); monuments (non-metallic).
• Class 20: Furniture, mirrors, picture frames; non-metallic containers for storage or transport; bone, horn, whalebone and mother-of-pearl (raw or semi-worked); shells; meerschaum; amber.
• Class 21: Household or kitchen utensils and containers; cookware and tableware (except knives, forks and spoons); combs and sponges; brushes (except paintbrushes); cleaning articles; glassware, porcelain and earthenware.
• Class 22: Ropes and string; nets; tents and tarpaulins; awnings; sails; sacks for transport and storage of bulk materials; padding and stuffing materials (except paper, rubber or plastics); raw textile fibres.
• Class 23: Yarns and threads for textile use.
• Class 24: Textiles and textile goods; household linen; textile or plastic curtains.
• Class 25: Clothing, footwear, headwear.
• Class 26: Lace and embroidery; ribbons and bows; buttons, hooks and eyes, pins and needles; artificial flowers; hair decorations; wigs.
• Class 27: Carpets, rugs, mats, linoleum and other floor coverings; non-textile wall hangings.
• Class 28:Games and playthings; video game apparatus; gymnastic and sporting articles; Christmas tree decorations.
• Class 29:Meat, fish, poultry and game; meat extracts; preserved, dried and cooked fruits and vegetables; jellies and jams; eggs; milk and dairy products; edible oils and fats.
• Class 30:Coffee, tea, cocoa and substitutes; rice, pasta and noodles; flour and cereal preparations; bread, pastry and confectionery; chocolate; edible ices; sugar, honey, molasses; yeast and baking powder; salt, seasonings and spices; vinegar, sauces; ice.
• Class 31: Raw and unprocessed agricultural, aquacultural, horticultural and forestry products; raw grains and seeds; fresh fruits and vegetables; natural plants and flowers; live animals; foodstuffs and beverages for animals; malt.
• Class 32: Beer; non-alcoholic beverages; mineral and aerated waters; fruit beverages and juices; syrups and preparations for making beverages.
• Class 33:Alcoholic beverages (except beer); alcoholic preparations for making beverages.
• Class 34:Tobacco and tobacco substitutes; cigarettes and cigars; electronic cigarettes and smokers’ articles; matches.

Services (Classes 35-45)

• Class 35: Advertising; business management, organisation and administration; office functions.
• Class 36:Financial, monetary and banking services; insurance services; real estate services.
• Class 37: Construction services; installation and repair services; mining and oil and gas extraction.
• Class 38:Telecommunications services.
• Class 39:Transport; packaging and storage of goods; travel services.
• Class 40: Treatment of materials; recycling of waste and trash; air purification and water treatment; printing services; food and beverage preservation.
• Class 41:Education; training; entertainment; sporting and cultural activities.
• Class 42:Scientific and technological services and research and design relating thereto; industrial analysis and research; quality control and authentication services; design and development of computer hardware and software.
• Class 43: Services for providing food and drink; temporary accommodation.
• Class 44: Medical services; veterinary services; hygienic and beauty care for humans or animals; agriculture, aquaculture, horticulture and forestry services.
• Class 45: Legal services; security services for the protection of persons and tangible property; dating services and online social networking services; funeral services; babysitting services.

Important notes for the classification of goods and services for trademark in Vietnam in 2026

The Nice Classification Version 13-2026 has been updated. Therefore, when filing a trademark application in 2026, it is essential to review and apply the latest Version 13. Attention should be paid to emerging or specialised categories of goods and services, such as:

• Digital technology products
• Digital platform services
• AI and blockchain products
• Other newly developed or niche industries

Why is accurate classification from the outset important?

Proper classification at the initial stage helps to:

• Avoid amendment requests from the Intellectual Property Office;
• Avoid additional fees due to incorrect classification;
• Prevent unintended narrowing of the scope of protection;
• Save examination time caused by reclassification notices.

Classification of goods and services under the Nice Classification is a mandatory step in the trademark registration process. To ensure accuracy and cost optimisation, applicants are recommended to seek advice from Industrial Property Representatives such as Viet An Law. For consultation on the classification of goods and services for trademark registration in Vietnam, please contact Viet An Law – Intellectual Property Representative for the best support.