Are you a new startup? Do you want to sell your product online and physical store? If yes, then it’s necessary to register your unique product to make sure that your product is legally registered.
This process ensures that your formula, design, and brand are legally protected and that you’re complying with all regulations.
Here we discuss the step-by-step guide to legally register your product in Pakistan which enables you to protect your intellectual property rights as well as get permission to sell.
What is the Legal Framework
Product registration for manufacturers in Pakistan includes some regulatory authorities.
You must focus on some main areas such as:
Intellectual Property Rights
Intellectual property protection protects your brand, design, and formula from being stolen.
However, this is necessary before you start selling your product. There are some key areas where you register your intellectual property for protection in Pakistan.
1) Trademark Registration
Protect your product’s packaging, brand name, and logo with trademark registration.
This will give you the safety that no one else can use a similar name. So, your brand identity will be safe.
Process of Trademark Registration
- Go to the Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan (IPO) website to check if your brand name or logo is already taken.
- If it’s available, you can apply for a trademark by submitting a form called TM-1 along with a sample of your brand logo or name.
- If your brand name is not available, then file a trademark application with IPO. For this you will submit
- Trademark application form (TM-1)
- A copy of your brand logo
- Fees (PKR 2,000 for one class)
- The IPO will review your application and, if no objections are raised, your trademark will be registered and your brand will be officially protected.
- The estimated time of this process is 2 months.
2) Patent Registration
You need to register for a patent if your product contains a new formula.
With this registration, you can save your brand from others. They can’t use, make, and sell your product without your permission.
Process of Patent Registration
3) Copyright Registration
Register your product under copyright law to protect your original designs and labels.
Copyright Registration Process
- Submit the copyright application form along with copies of labels, designs, and content.
- Send the application to the IPO copyright office.
- The fee for the application is PKR 2000.
Attaining Product Certification and Compliance
After intellectual property protection, now you make sure that your product complies with Pakistan’s safety and quality standards.
However, get approval from specific authorities which depends on the type of your product.
How to Get Certification
Here is the process for getting certification:
1) Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) Certification
PSQCA provides certifications to ensure safety and quality standards are met.
The process to Get PSQCA Certification
2) National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS)
You must ensure compliance with environmental safety standards if your product type is chemical-based.
How to get NEQS Approval
- Submit your product data to EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)
- Make sure that your manufacturing process complies with NEQS
3) Packaging and Labeling Requirements
If your product is chemical-based, the Ministry of Commerce orders some requirements which are:
- Product name and description
- List of ingredients
- Directions for use
- Safety warnings
- Manufacturer’s name and contact details
Registration for Online Sales
After completion of the product’s intellectual property and essential certifications, you’ll make sure to compliance for selling in stores and online.
1) Sales Tax and National Tax Number (NTN) Registration
All businesses in Pakistan must register with FBR for sales tax. This is applicable whether you’re selling physical stores or online.
FBR Registration
2) Gaining a Trade License
Local authorities require a trade license to operate legally in physical stores.
It depends on where you plan to sell.
How to get a Trade License?
- Submit your product details to the local municipal authority.
- Pay the license fee.
- Display the trade license at your business premises
3) Registering for Online Sales
If you want to sell your product online via the website, you must comply with this platform regulation.
How do you register your product for online sales?
Attaining Retail Permissions
If you want to sell your product via physical stores and online as well, you must have some permissions which are:
1) Retailer Agreements
If you have a plan to distribute your product via retail stores, you must sign contacts with retailers.
This includes:
- Sales Negotiation which includes marketing and pricing.
- Providing your product certifications such as safety compliance.
2) Online Marketplaces
For online sales, register yourself as a seller on your desired platform.
Moreover, make sure that your business complies with their terms and conditions.
Final Checks Before Launch
After completion of all the legal and regulatory steps, make sure that:
- Analyze all legal documentation and certifications.
- Make sure that labeling and packaging are proper.
- Set up reliable supply channels, whether online or in physical stores.
Now you can officially launch your product in Pakistan, both online and offline, ensuring that it’s protected, certified, and compliant with all local laws.
Wrap up
In Pakistan, launching a new product faces many regulatory hurdles.
However, by following the above-mentioned steps, you’ll be able to register your product successfully as well as make sure that it’s legally safe to sell.
Moreover, this process will help you build trust with your customers.
