The 13th edition of the Nice Classification went into effect on January 1, 2026. The requirements of the 13th edition apply only to applications filed on or after January 1, 2026. Any changes in practice pursuant to the 13th edition supersede practice under prior editions and versions of the Nice Classification. A comprehensive view of the changes under the 13th edition can be found in the International Classification of Goods and Services for the Purposes of the Registration of Marks (13th ed. 2026) (Nice 13-2026), which is published by the World Intellectual Property Organization and available online on its website at http://www.wipo.int. Additionally, the impact of the changes on USPTO identification policy and practice can be viewed in the USPTO’s Acceptable Identification of Goods and Services Manual (ID Manual).

For the 13th edition of the Nice Classification, "eyeglasses," "spectacles," "sunglasses," and "contact lenses" were transferred from Class 9 to Class 10. These goods are used to correct eyesight or to protect the health of the eye and as such they function as "medical...apparatus, instruments and articles generally used for the...treatment or improvement of function or condition of persons" consistent with the Class 10 Explanatory Note.

For the 13th edition, the Committee of Experts determined that essential oils should be classified by function or purpose, in accordance with the Nice Classification General Remarks. Prior to the 13th edition, essential oils were classified in Class 3 regardless of their function or purpose. For example, essential oils for flavoring beverages were classified in Class 3 while flavorings for beverages, other than essential oils, were classified in Class 30. This amendment to the essential oils classification practice brings their classification into alignment with the General Remarks.

For the 13th edition, "fire engines," "fire boats," "life-saving rafts," and "lifeboats", which were previously classified in Class 9, are now classified in Class 12. As a result, all emergency and rescue vehicles are now classified in Class 12.