- +66 95 881 6730
- thai@narisaralookoil.asia
- Narisaralook Oil Export Co., Ltd., Soi Mu Ban Chom Thong, Chom Thong, Bangkok 10150, Thailand
How to Import Cooking Oil from Thailand
Thailand is one of Asia's established sourcing points for bulk edible oil, and Narisaralook Oil Export has been supplying cooking oil to international buyers for more than 25 years. Importing cooking oil is a straightforward process when each stage is planned in advance: specification, packaging, quotation, payment, production, inspection, documentation, shipping and clearance.
This guide walks through each step as it applies to buying from a Thai exporter. It complements our other buyer resources - the packaging and bulk supply guide, the export documents checklist and the FOB vs CIF comparison - so you can plan your first or next shipment with confidence.
Step 1: Define Your Product and Specification
Start by deciding exactly which oil your market needs. We supply sunflower oil (regular and high-oleic), palm oil and RBD palm olein, canola oil, soybean oil, corn oil, vegetable oil, refined oil, edible oil and rapeseed oil. Each product page lists the typical specification parameters - such as free fatty acid, moisture, peroxide value and iodine value - that appear on the Certificate of Analysis accompanying each shipment.
If you are buying palm olein for a market with cooler winters, also review our CP8 vs CP10 comparison, because cloud point grade determines how the oil behaves at lower temperatures.
Step 2: Choose Packaging and Order Size
The minimum order is one 20ft container - approximately 21 metric tons on flexitank, or approximately 800 cartons of bottled product. Your packaging choice (PET bottles, jerry cans, steel drums, IBC totes or flexitank) determines both your freight economics and the customers you can serve at destination. Full details are in our packaging and bulk supply guide, and container capacity planning is covered in the container loading guide.
Step 3: Request a Quotation
Request a quotation through our contact page, the quote form on this site, or by WhatsApp. To receive an accurate price quickly, include: the product and grade, packaging format, destination port, and whether you want pricing on FOB or CIF terms (see our FOB vs CIF guide to decide which suits your business). Private label buyers should also share their destination market so labeling requirements can be reviewed.
Step 4: Confirm the Order and Payment Terms
We accept T/T (Telegraphic Transfer), L/C (Letter of Credit) and other secure payment methods, with terms discussed based on order size and buyer relationship. First-time buyers commonly begin with standard secured terms and develop open arrangements as the trading relationship grows. Your sales contact will confirm the exact terms that apply to your order before production begins.
Step 5: Production and Quality Inspection
Production lead time is typically 15-20 days after order confirmation. During this period the oil is produced or refined to specification, filled into your chosen packaging, and prepared for loading. Buyers who want independent verification can appoint SGS or FIGICO inspectors, and every shipment is accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis from our quality control. Our certifications page summarizes the quality systems behind production (ISO 22000, HACCP, GMP, HALAL, with SGS testing).
Step 6: Prepare Export Documentation
Each shipment includes the Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin, Phytosanitary Certificate, Fumigation Certificate and Certificate of Analysis, with SGS/FIGICO inspection reports where appointed. Health Certificates, Free Sale Certificates and embassy legalization are available on request for markets that require them. The complete checklist, including which documents matter for which import regime, is in our export documents guide.
Step 7: Shipping from Thailand
Cargo is coordinated through Laem Chabang Port and Bangkok Port (Klong Toey) with major shipping lines. Typical ocean transit times are 7-14 days to Asia, 20-30 days to the Middle East and Africa, and 30-45 days to the Americas. On FOB terms your freight forwarder takes over at the Thai port; on CIF terms we arrange freight and insurance to your destination port. Either way, the Bill of Lading is released according to the payment terms agreed in Step 4.
Step 8: Customs Clearance at Destination
At destination, your customs broker files the documents from Step 6 together with your import license or permit where your country requires one for edible oil. Import duties, taxes and any destination-specific requirements (labeling language checks, halal authority endorsement and similar) are settled at this stage. Because requirements differ by country, confirm them with your local broker early - ideally before the order is confirmed - so that document set and labeling match exactly what your authorities expect.
Step 9: Receiving and Storage
After release, store the oil in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, ideally between 15°C and 25°C, with containers tightly sealed and stock rotated first-in-first-out. Shelf life for typical products is 18-24 months from manufacture. Flexitank buyers discharge into clean storage tanks using standard hose connections before the container is returned.
Typical Import Timeline
| Stage | Typical Duration |
| Quotation and specification agreement | A few days of correspondence |
| Payment confirmation | Per agreed terms |
| Production and filling | 15-20 days |
| Ocean shipping (Asia) | 7-14 days |
| Ocean shipping (Middle East / Africa) | 20-30 days |
| Ocean shipping (Americas) | 30-45 days |
| Customs clearance and delivery | Per destination port |
Frequently Asked Questions
What payment terms do you accept for cooking oil imports?
We accept T/T (Telegraphic Transfer), L/C (Letter of Credit), and other secure payment methods. Payment terms can be discussed based on order size and buyer relationship.
What is the typical lead time from order to shipment?
Production lead time is typically 15-20 days after order confirmation. Shipping time depends on destination: 7-14 days to Asia, 20-30 days to the Middle East and Africa, and 30-45 days to the Americas.
What is the minimum order quantity for importing?
The minimum order is one 20ft container. For flexitank packaging this is approximately 21 metric tons, and for bottled packaging approximately 800 cartons.
Can shipment quality be independently inspected before loading?
Yes. SGS and FIGICO international inspection are available for shipments, and each shipment is supported by a Certificate of Analysis as standard.
Do you work with first-time importers?
Yes. Our export team supports first-time buyers through specification, documentation and shipping questions. Read this guide together with our export documents checklist and FOB vs CIF comparison before requesting your first quotation.
Related Buyer Guides
Ready to Start Your Import?
Contact our export team for a quotation tailored to your market.