Why Import Coconut Oil from Thailand?
Thailand is the world's 3rd-largest coconut producer and Southeast Asia's leading coconut oil exporter. Thai coconut oil is prized for its clean flavour, consistent quality, and multiple certification options: USDA Organic, EU Organic, Halal, HACCP, ISO 22000, and Non-GMO. The country's well-developed port infrastructure (Bangkok, Laem Chabang) and free trade agreements make it highly accessible for importers in Europe, the Americas, Middle East, and Asia.
Global coconut oil demand has grown steadily since 2015, driven by health food retail (VCO), personal care (fractionated), food manufacturing (RBD), and the booming MCT oil supplement market. If you're adding coconut oil to your import portfolio — or seeking an alternative source to the Philippines — this guide covers everything you need.
The 4 Coconut Oil Grades You Need to Know
Understanding the grade is the most important step before buying. Each grade has a different production method, application, price point and target market.
1. Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO)
VCO is extracted from fresh coconut meat (not copra) using cold-press or wet-milling processes at low temperatures — no refining, bleaching or deodorising. It retains the natural coconut aroma and flavour, and higher levels of polyphenols and lauric acid.
Uses: Premium food retail, health food stores, cosmetics (hair/skin), nutraceuticals Certifications available: USDA Organic, EU Organic, Non-GMO, Fair Trade, Halal Shelf life: 24 months at ambient temperature
2. RBD Coconut Oil (Refined, Bleached, Deodorised)
RBD is produced from copra (dried coconut kernel) through refining, bleaching and deodorising. The result is a neutral-flavour, neutral-odour oil — white solid at room temperature, clear liquid above 24°C — with a higher smoke point than VCO.
Uses: Food manufacturing (baked goods, confectionery, ice cream, coffee creamers), foodservice, industrial baking Certifications: HACCP, GMP, Halal, ISO 22000 Shelf life: 18–24 months
3. Fractionated Coconut Oil (FCO)
Fractionated coconut oil is liquid at all temperatures. It is produced by separating the long-chain fatty acids from coconut oil through steam distillation, leaving only medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) — primarily caprylic acid (C8) and capric acid (C10). The result is an odourless, colourless, shelf-stable oil.
Uses: Cosmetic carrier oil, massage oil, skincare formulations, dietary supplements, cooking spray (premium) Shelf life: 24–36 months (oxidation resistant)
4. MCT Oil (Medium-Chain Triglycerides)
MCT oil is a highly refined form of fractionated coconut oil, processed to concentrate specific MCFA fractions. C8 (caprylic acid) MCT oil is the most premium — it is the fastest-digesting MCFA and the primary ingredient in ketogenic/bulletproof coffee products.
Grades: C8 MCT (80–99% caprylic acid), C8/C10 blend, Full-spectrum MCT Uses: Sports nutrition, keto diet supplements, functional foods and beverages Shelf life: 24+ months
Coconut Oil Prices (FOB Bangkok, 2026)
| Grade | FOB Price Range (USD/MT) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| RBD Coconut Oil (crude) | $1,400–$1,650/MT | Commodity grade, large volume |
| RBD Coconut Oil (refined) | $1,500–$1,750/MT | Food-grade, Halal certified |
| Virgin Coconut Oil (conventional) | $1,800–$2,200/MT | Cold-pressed, retail grade |
| Organic VCO (USDA/EU) | $2,400–$2,800/MT | Certified organic, high demand in EU/USA |
| Fractionated Coconut Oil | $2,000–$2,500/MT | Liquid at all temps, cosmetic/pharma |
| C8/C10 MCT Oil | $2,500–$3,500/MT | Supplement grade, food-grade certified |
| C8 MCT Oil (≥90% caprylic) | $3,500–$5,000/MT | Premium keto supplement grade |
Prices are FOB Bangkok or Laem Chabang, quoted in USD. Coconut oil prices fluctuate with the Philippine and Indonesian copra harvest cycle (peak harvest November–February) and global health food demand cycles.
Packaging Options for Coconut Oil Imports
| Format | Volume | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Flexitank | 22,000 L / 20 MT per 20ft container | Bulk food manufacturing buyers |
| ISO Tank (T11) | 20,000–24,000 L | RBD bulk, repeated routes |
| 200L steel drums | 180 kg per drum, 110 drums per 20ft | Mid-volume industrial buyers |
| 25L/20L Jerry cans | 22–20 kg per can, retail-ready | Wholesale distributors |
| 1L / 500ml retail bottles | Glass or PET, OEM label | Health food retail, e-commerce |
For health food retail (VCO, Organic VCO), glass or high-barrier PET bottles with OEM/private label are available. MOQ for private label bottles is typically 2,000–5,000 units.
Import Compliance Requirements
USA (FDA) - FDA facility registration (mandatory for all food manufacturers) - FSMA compliance (Supplier Verification) - Organic coconut oil: USDA NOP certificate from accredited body - MCT oil: classified as dietary ingredient; FDA Food Facility Registration required
EU - EU organic certificate under Regulation 2018/848 (if organic) - EU Establishment Number for the Thai processor - No specific import licence for conventional coconut oil (HS 1513.11 for crude, 1513.19 for refined) - Novel food regulation does not apply to coconut oil
Middle East (GCC / Saudi) - Halal certificate from CICOT or recognized body - SFDA registration for Saudi Arabia (product + establishment) - Arabic label with net weight, origin, nutritional facts
What to Specify in Your Purchase Order
Before confirming your coconut oil order, define and write into your Proforma Invoice:
- Grade: VCO / RBD / Fractionated / MCT (specify C8 ratio if MCT)
- Organic certified: Yes/No — specify certifying body (USDA NOP, EU 2018/848, JAS)
- FFA (Free Fatty Acid): Max 0.1% for VCO; max 0.05% for RBD
- Moisture and impurities: Max 0.1%
- Lauric acid content: Min 43% for RBD (if food grade claim)
- Colour (Lovibond or Gardner): Specify for RBD (clear/white)
- Odour: Specify "neutral/no odour" for RBD and fractionated
- Packaging format: See options above — specify container and inner pack
- Shelf life remaining on arrival: Minimum 18 months from production date
Internal Links for Coconut Oil Buyers
For container loading specifications and logistics options, see our flexitank vs drums vs ISO tank guide. For Incoterms and payment terms, see the vegetable oil payment and Incoterms guide.
Jit Aree Vegetable Oil supplies coconut oil in RBD, Virgin, Fractionated, and MCT grades — in bulk flexitank, drums, and private label bottles. Request a coconut oil quote and we will respond with current FOB Bangkok pricing within 24 hours.