Is Thai Food Truly Halal-Certified and Trustworthy?

For Middle Eastern and North African markets, halal certification is a critical factor when importing food—whether fresh, dried, ready-to-eat, or canned. But since Thailand isn’t a Muslim-majority country, how can buyers be sure its halal-labeled products meet strict Islamic standards?

Halal Certification in Thailand: Voluntary but Stringent

Unlike in many Muslim countries, halal certification isn’t mandatory in Thailand. Instead, it’s a strategic move by producers looking to expand into global halal markets.

The Central Islamic Council of Thailand (CICOT) oversees halal certification, conducting thorough factory inspections. The process isn’t easy—or cheap. Costs depend on factory size, business scale, and location, and the requirements are strict, covering:

• Sourcing (ingredients & animal slaughter)

• Production (processing, mixing, packaging)

• Storage & logistics

Certified producers must renew their halal labels per product and undergo biennial audits—proof that they’re serious about compliance.

A Word of Caution: Verify Before You Buy

While Thailand has a robust halal certification system, due diligence is key. Some businesses may cut corners. Always:

✔ Check the halal certification number

✔ Verify expiry dates

🔍 Use CICOT’s official portal: https://www.halal.co.th/

Bottom line: Thailand’s halal-certified products can be trusted—if they come from verified, audited suppliers. Buyers should still double-check to ensure compliance.

If you want StardomBizNet to handle the verification from ensuring the halal compliance of your selected products to deep-diving into supplier readiness (business capabilities & commitment to developing market-fit products)

Contact us.