As of 1 January 2026, the 13th edition of the Nice Classification applies. In addition to numerous new and revised terms, this update also includes genuine class reassignments—with immediate practical relevance for drafting the goods and services specification.
What are “Nice classes” in the first place?
When filing a trademark, you must specify which goods and services the mark is to be protected for. To ensure international consistency, the Nice Classification is used: a global classification system that divides goods and services into 45 classes (34 classes for goods and 11 classes for services).
What changes as of 1 January 2026?
For new applications filed on or after 1 January 2026, the new class structure applies— including the corresponding ordering in the goods and services specification.
Existing trademarks will not be “reclassified”—neither in pending proceedings nor upon renewal.
The key class changes in 2026:
1) Essential oils: classification by intended use instead of a blanket Class 03
Until now, essential oils were classified in Class 03 (cosmetics, personal care, cleaning preparations) regardless of purpose. Going forward, classification will depend on the intended use (e.g., cosmetic, medical, industrial, or for food purposes).
2) Aromatherapy: preparations move from Class 03 to Class 05
Aromatherapy preparations will in future be classified—like other therapeutic preparations—in Class 05 (pharmaceutical and medical products); conflicting entries in Class 03 (cosmetics, personal care, cleaning preparations) will be removed.
3) Spectacles & contact lenses: from Class 09 to Class 10 (with exceptions)
Spectacles and contact lenses (including sunglasses) move from Class 09 (optical and scientific apparatus and instruments) to Class 10 (medical apparatus and instruments). Sports goggles remain in Class 09 due to their protective function; “novelty glasses” remain in Class 28 (games, toys, sporting articles). Related accessories (cases, cords) are also affected.
In addition, the rental of spectacles will be classified in Class 44 (medical services).
4) Firefighting and rescue vehicles: from Class 09 to Class 12
Firefighting and rescue vehicles will no longer fall under Class 09 (apparatus/instruments, including safety and rescue equipment), but will be treated as vehicles in Class 12 (vehicles) (other firefighting/protective devices remain in Class 09).
5) Nose clips for swimmers: now Class 10
Nose clips for swimmers move from Class 09 (protective/safety articles, apparatus) to Class 10 (medical/health-related articles); nose clips for divers remain in Class 09 as protective equipment.
6) Electrically heated clothing: from Class 11 to Class 25
Electrically heated garments will in future be classified like ordinary clothing in Class 25 (clothing, footwear, headgear) (instead of Class 11 (lighting, heating, cooling) due to the heating function).
7) Clutch linings: split from Class 17 into Classes 12 and 07
The non-specific term “clutch linings” (previously Class 17 (rubber, plastics, sealing and insulating materials)) will no longer be used in this form:
- for land vehicles → Class 12 (vehicles)
- otherwise → Class 07 (machines and machine drive technology)
What does this mean for your trademark practice?
If you plan to file a trademark in 2026 or expand your scope of protection, a brief review is advisable:
- Update the specification: Do your existing standard descriptions still match the new class structure?
- Specify terms more precisely: Especially for “borderline” products (e.g., essential oils, spectacles/sports goggles, electrically heated clothing), the specific intended purpose can be decisive for classification.
- Keep an eye on the number of classes: Fees are based on the number of classes claimed at the time of filing. Changes in classification may therefore make additional classes necessary—with corresponding cost implications.
Full Nice Classification (updated version):