Key Takeaways
- Match the Health Certificate agency to the food category: Thai FDA (processed foods), Department of Fisheries (seafood), DLD (meat/poultry), or Department of Agriculture (fresh produce - Phytosanitary).
- Food labels for GCC countries must display production/expiry dates and ingredients in Arabic (or bilingual English-Arabic) per GSO standards.
- Select Food-Grade Dry Containers or temperature-controlled Reefer Containers according to product shelf-life requirements.
1. Thai Government Agencies Issuing Food Export Certificates
| Food Export Category | Required Export Certificate | Issuing Thai Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Processed foods, beverages, sauces | Health Certificate / Free Sale Certificate | Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) |
| Fresh fruits, vegetables, rice, grains | Phytosanitary Certificate | Department of Agriculture (DOA) |
| Frozen & canned seafood | Fisheries Health Certificate | Department of Fisheries (DOF) |
| Poultry & livestock products | Veterinary Health Certificate | Department of Livestock Development (DLD) |
2. Halal Certification & Middle East Export Customs Workflow
Shipments bound for Saudi Arabia (SFDA) and the UAE (Dubai Municipality FIRS/Montaji) typically require a consignment Halal Certificate issued by the Central Islamic Council of Thailand (CICOT) alongside a General Certificate of Origin (C/O) and e-Customs Export Declaration.
Looking for Hassle-Free Logistics? Choose LOGISTICS NO LIMIT CO., LTD.!
We specialize in cross-border trucking, customs clearance, and global supply chain management. Secure, compliant, and tracked in real-time.
Contact Our Experts NowContact LNL for international food export logistics, Dry/Reefer container booking, and Thai export customs brokerage.
Contact LNL Operations TeamExporting food from Thailand to the Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia, and GCC markets) requires (1) an e-Customs Export Declaration, (2) a Health Certificate or Phytosanitary Certificate from the relevant Thai ministry, (3) Halal Certification recognized by GCC authorities (via CICOT), and (4) a Certificate of Origin (General C/O) legalized as required by the destination port.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Are food exports from Thailand subject to Thai export duty?
A:Almost all processed food and agricultural exports from Thailand are exempt from export duty (0% export tariff) and qualify for 0% VAT export rating when declared under a formal e-Customs Export Entry.
