Class 32 vs Class 33 — which trademark class do you need in India?

For drinks brands in India, Class 32 covers non-alcoholic beverages — soft drinks, juices, water and energy drinks — while Class 33 covers alcoholic beverages except beer. Note the quirk: beer is Class 32, and non-alcoholic beer stays in Class 32 too.

Class 32

Goods · Non-alcoholic

Beers; mineral and aerated waters; non-alcoholic beverages

Beers; Non-alcoholic beverages; Mineral and aerated waters; Fruit beverages and fruit juices; Syrups and other preparations for making non-alcoholic beverages

Class 33

Goods · Alcoholic

Alcoholic beverages (except beers); alcoholic preparations

Alcoholic beverages, except beers; Alcoholic preparations for making beverages

Class 32 vs Class 33 at a glance

	Class 32 · Non-alcoholic	Class 33 · Alcoholic
What it covers	Soft drinks, juices, mineral water, energy drinks, beer	Wine, whisky, rum, vodka, spirits, liqueurs
Alcohol	None (plus beer)	Alcoholic (except beer)
Beer	Yes — beer is Class 32	No
Regulatory note	FSSAI food rules	State excise rules apply separately

Which class should you choose?

Choose Class 32 if…

Your drink is non-alcoholic — soft drink, juice, water, energy drink — or beer.

Choose Class 33 if…

Your drink is an alcoholic spirit, wine or liqueur (not beer).

File both if: Your brand spans both — e.g. a label selling both spirits and non-alcoholic mixers.

Frequently asked questions

What class is alcohol vs soft drinks in India?

Non-alcoholic beverages — soft drinks, juices, mineral water, energy drinks — are Class 32. Alcoholic beverages (wine, whisky, rum, spirits, liqueurs) are Class 33. Beer is an exception: it sits in Class 32, not Class 33.

What class is non-alcoholic beer?

Non-alcoholic beer is Class 32, the same as ordinary beer and other non-alcoholic drinks. Only alcoholic beverages other than beer move to Class 33.

Do I need an excise licence as well as a trademark?

Yes — trademark registration and state excise licensing are separate. A Class 33 trademark protects your brand name, but selling alcohol in India still requires state-level excise approvals.

Related class guides

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