Brazil is one of the world’s largest exporters of chicken feet (paws), supplying millions of metric tons annually to buyers across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. If you are an importer, distributor, or trading company looking to source Brazilian chicken paws, this guide covers everything you need to know — from specifications to documentation and logistics.
Why Brazilian Chicken Feet?
Brazil’s poultry sector is one of the most competitive globally. Processing plants operate under SIF (Serviço de Inspeção Federal) certification — the federal inspection standard required for export — ensuring traceability, food safety, and compliance with destination country requirements.
Key advantages of Brazilian chicken feet for international buyers:
- SIF-certified plants — required for most regulated import markets
- Halal certification available upon request for MENA and Southeast Asia markets
- IQF processing (Individually Quick Frozen) — preserving quality and extending shelf life
- Consistent year-round supply — Brazil’s poultry production operates throughout the year
- Competitive FOB pricing from major export ports (Santos, Paranaguá)
Technical Specifications
When sourcing chicken feet from Brazil, buyers typically request the following specifications:
| Parameter | Standard Specification |
|---|---|
| Product | Chicken paws (feet), IQF |
| Weight per unit | 60–80g (medium) / 80–100g (large) |
| Packaging | 15 kg carton (standard export) |
| Freezing method | IQF — Individually Quick Frozen |
| Storage temperature | -18°C or below |
| Shelf life | 24 months from production date |
| Certification | SIF / Brazil federal inspection |
| Halal | Available upon request |
Additional cuts available from SIF-certified plants include whole chicken, breast, fillet, drumstick, thigh, wings, quarter, and giblets — useful for buyers looking to consolidate multiple items in one shipment.
Key Markets and Demand Drivers
Brazilian chicken feet are primarily exported to:
- Southeast Asia — Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Hong Kong
- East Asia — China (largest volume market historically)
- Middle East (MENA) — Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt (Halal certified supply)
- Sub-Saharan Africa — Angola, Nigeria, Ghana
Demand is driven by culinary traditions in Asian markets — chicken feet are a staple in dim sum, soups, and street food across the region. In MENA markets, Halal certification is a non-negotiable requirement for market entry.
Documentation Required for Import
A standard shipment of Brazilian chicken feet for export includes:
- Bill of Lading (BL)
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Certificate of Origin (Brazil)
- Veterinary Health Certificate (issued by MAPA — Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture)
- Sanitary Certificate
- Halal Certificate (when required — from accredited certifying body)
- SPS Import Permit (required by some destination countries — buyer’s responsibility)
Logistics and Incoterms
Brazilian chicken feet are shipped via reefer container (refrigerated):
- 20ft reefer: approximately 15–18 MT depending on packing
- 40ft reefer: approximately 22–26 MT
Incoterms commonly used:
- FOB Santos / FOB Paranaguá — buyer arranges freight and insurance from Brazilian port
- CIF [destination port] — seller arranges freight and insurance to destination
- CFR — seller arranges freight, buyer arranges insurance
Transit times by destination:
- Brazil → Southeast Asia: approximately 25–35 days
- Brazil → Middle East: approximately 20–28 days
- Brazil → Sub-Saharan Africa: approximately 18–25 days
How to Start the Sourcing Process
- Submit an inquiry with your target specification, volume, and destination port
- Receive product specification sheet and indicative FOB pricing
- Issue LOI (Letter of Intent) to confirm commercial interest
- Receive formal offer (FCO) with final pricing, terms, and availability
- Agree on payment terms — LC at sight is standard for new relationships
- Pre-shipment inspection arranged through SGS, Bureau Veritas, or Intertek
- Shipment and documentation released against payment instrument
AgriTrade Connect structures supply operations for international buyers, connecting verified demand with SIF-certified Brazilian suppliers. All operations are formalized through specific contracts with pre-shipment inspection available upon request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Halal certification available?
Yes. Halal-certified chicken feet are available from SIF plants with internationally recognized Halal auditing, compliant with MENA, Turkey, and Asian market standards.
What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
Typically 1 FCL (reefer container). Volume and packaging can be discussed depending on buyer requirements.
What payment terms are accepted?
LC at sight is standard for new relationships. DLC and CAD available for established buyers.
Can I request pre-shipment inspection?
Yes. Inspection through SGS, Bureau Veritas, or Intertek is available upon request.
Do you supply other poultry cuts?
Yes — whole chicken, breast, fillet, drumstick, thigh, wings, quarter, and giblets from the same SIF-certified plants.
Looking to source Brazilian chicken feet or other animal proteins? Contact AgriTrade Connect — we connect international buyers with verified Brazilian suppliers.
