The demand for halal-certified poultry is growing rapidly across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. As the world’s leading halal chicken supplier, Brazil exports millions of tons of poultry every year to over 150 countries. For businesses, wholesalers, and distributors, importing Brazilian halal chicken can be highly profitable — but it requires proper planning, documentation, and trusted suppliers.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about importing halal chicken from Brazil, including certification requirements, documentation, logistics, and customs clearance.
Step 1: Understand Why Brazil Leads in Halal Poultry
Brazil is the largest exporter of halal chicken worldwide, with over 70% of its poultry production being halal-certified.
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Halal-compliant slaughterhouses supervised by Islamic scholars.
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Trusted certification bodies recognized in GCC, Asia, and Africa.
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Competitive prices compared to other exporters like the USA or EU.
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Strict food safety (HACCP, ISO, and traceability systems).
Before importing, study Brazil’s poultry industry and confirm it matches your market requirements.
Step 2: Identify Trusted Brazilian Halal Chicken Suppliers
Finding the right supplier is the most important step. Look for:
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Government-approved exporters listed with ABPA (Brazilian Association of Animal Protein).
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Halal certification from recognized authorities (e.g., Islamic centers in Brazil).
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Experience with your target market (e.g., Middle East, Asia, Africa).
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Transparent pricing and contracts.
Tip: Use resources like the ABPA to verify suppliers.
Step 3: Verify Halal Certification
When importing Brazilian halal chicken, always double-check certification.
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Ask for Halal Certificate copies for each batch.
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Verify that certification is issued by an accredited Islamic authority.
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Confirm compliance with your importing country’s halal standards (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Indonesia, etc.).
This step avoids delays at customs or shipment rejection.
Step 4: Prepare the Required Import Documents
Importers need to provide and check these documents:
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Commercial Invoice (showing poultry products & value).
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Packing List (with product details, weight, and packaging).
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Halal Certificate (mandatory for Muslim markets).
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Health Certificate (issued by Brazilian authorities).
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Bill of Lading (shipping document).
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Certificate of Origin (verifying Brazilian source).
Step 5: Choose the Right Poultry Products
Brazil exports a wide range of halal poultry products. Importers can select based on local demand:
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Whole frozen chicken
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Leg quarters
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Chicken wings & drumsticks
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Chicken breast (skin-on / skinless)
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Chicken feet & offals
Tailor your selection to local consumer preferences. For example, chicken feet are popular in Asia, while whole chickens are in demand in the Middle East.
Step 6: Arrange Shipping & Logistics
Brazil has some of the world’s best poultry export logistics.
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Cold chain shipping keeps poultry frozen during transit.
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Major ports for poultry export: Santos, Paranaguá, Itajaí.
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Containerized shipping ensures long-distance quality.
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Choose CIF (Cost, Insurance & Freight) or FOB (Free on Board) terms based on your preference.
Tip: Work with a logistics partner experienced in poultry imports.
Step 7: Customs Clearance in the Importing Country
When the shipment arrives:
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Present Halal & Health Certificates at customs.
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Pay applicable import duties and taxes.
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Undergo inspection and clearance (varies by country).
Countries like Saudi Arabia and UAE have strict halal checks, so documentation must be accurate.
Step 8: Distribution and Storage
Once cleared:
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Store poultry in cold storage warehouses.
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Distribute via wholesale channels, supermarkets, restaurants, and food processors.
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Maintain temperature compliance to preserve quality.
Benefits of Importing Brazilian Halal Chicken
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Cost-effective poultry supply compared to local production.
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Reliable supply chain with consistent availability.
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Globally trusted halal certification.
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Wide range of poultry cuts for different market demands.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Importing without verifying halal certification.
❌ Choosing the cheapest supplier without background checks.
❌ Ignoring customs regulations in your country.
❌ Poor cold chain logistics leading to product loss.
FAQs
Q1: Is all Brazilian chicken halal?
Not all, but a large majority is halal-certified, especially for export markets.
Q2: How long does it take to ship halal chicken from Brazil?
Transit time ranges from 20–40 days, depending on the destination.
Q3: Can small businesses import Brazilian poultry?
Yes, many suppliers offer MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) starting from 1–2 containers.
Q4: Which countries import the most halal chicken from Brazil?
Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, China, Japan, and South Africa.
Q5: What is the shelf life of frozen Brazilian chicken?
Typically 12–24 months, depending on packaging and storage conditions.
Importing Brazilian halal chicken is one of the most profitable opportunities in the global food trade. With its world-class production, trusted certifications, and strong logistics network, Brazil continues to dominate the halal poultry market.
By following this step-by-step guide, businesses can confidently source, import, and distribute halal chicken while ensuring compliance, quality, and profitability.