How to renew Border Force brand protection
Apply to extend your Application for Action at least 30 working days before expiry, using its current reference, details of changes and evidence of your rights or authority. Update product identification information as your range changes. Factory evidence can be coordinated by Cambridge China Bridge.
Set the renewal date before the application expires
HMRC says you should apply for an extension at least 30 working days before expiry. If it does not receive the application before the expiry date, you may need to make a new application. Put the expiry date and an earlier preparation reminder in your purchasing calendar, with a named person responsible.
Keep the existing approval with your brand records. This guide covers maintaining your border application as the range changes; use protecting your IP and tooling for the wider sourcing arrangements.
Retrieve the application reference and rights evidence
The extension requires your current application reference, details of changes to the original application, and uploaded evidence that you hold the relevant rights or are authorised to act for the rights owner. Retrieve the reference from your application records rather than substituting a trade mark registration number or shipment reference.
Prepare a rights file linking each product family to the relevant right and its owner. Check registration documents, current ownership records and any authority to act. Where the brand owner, applicant and buying company differ, ask your intellectual property adviser to resolve the evidence before submission.
Refresh the information that identifies genuine goods
HMRC asks for changes such as product or rights descriptions, addresses and contacts. Its application guidance also allows additional information to help Border Force identify genuine or counterfeit goods and assess risk, including markings, barcodes, images, authorised distributors and routes.
Compare the submitted file with the current factory specification. Prepare dated photographs of products, labels and packaging; identify new models, changed logos, retired packaging and legitimate stock still using earlier designs. Ask your China factory to confirm which versions are actually shipping. For purchased branded stock, use checking counterfeit product risks to investigate authorisation separately.
Report changes without waiting for renewal
HMRC’s application guidance says to contact its Intellectual Property Rights Approvals Team by email to make changes to an application. Do this when the recorded information changes, rather than saving every correction for renewal. Ask the team how to record a new product or right if its treatment is unclear.
For additional identification files, HMRC instructs applicants to email the team and give the submission reference from the application confirmation page. Keep that submission reference alongside the current application reference, with copies of the files sent. Cambridge China Bridge’s own staff in China can coordinate current product photographs and factory enquiries.
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Track the decision and changes in entitlement
HMRC normally writes within 30 working days of receiving the extension application to confirm it has been granted, and the extension is valid for one year from the decision to grant it. Keep the decision notice and diarise the expiry recorded there.
You must contact the approvals team if you are no longer entitled to submit an application or the right no longer has effect, for example because it expires or is sold. The application can then be amended or revoked. Flag ownership changes and rights expiry dates in the same review file so they are not overlooked during a product update.
Frequently asked questions
When should I renew my Border Force application?
Apply at least 30 working days before expiry. If HMRC does not receive it before the expiry date, you may need a new application.
Which reference do I need for an extension?
Use the current application reference. For additional identification files sent separately, HMRC asks for the submission reference from your application confirmation page.
What should I update when my product range changes?
Report changed product or rights descriptions and contact details. Refresh photographs, markings, barcodes and packaging records so the file reflects genuine goods currently shipping.
Can my representative apply for the extension?
HMRC requires uploaded evidence that you hold the relevant rights or are authorised to act for their owner. Check that the authority supplied matches the owner and rights in the application.