How to tell an original Hong Thai

Hong Thai is one of Thailand's best-known herbal inhalers, and like every product in demand, it reaches Europe by many routes. What ends up on the shelf can be an officially imported, documented batch, or a jar of unknown origin. The difference shows on the label.

The G number is the most important line on the label

Original jars carry a registration number starting with G, issued by the Thai authority responsible for herbal products. On our packs: G 291/56 on the white jar, G 269/56 on the yellow, G 447/65 on Green Formula 1 and G 309/62 on Green Formula 2. Next to it, the label also carries the lot number and the manufacturing and expiry dates.

The number does get abused: in January 2026, the Thai authority opened proceedings against sellers who had printed another product's G number on their own inhaler.

A local label with a named importer

The jars we distribute carry a full label in the language of the market they are sold in, listing the ingredients and the responsible importer: Hong Thai Hungary (hongthai.hu). EU rules require every product on the market to name a reachable European responsible party with a full address. If a jar carries Thai text only and names no European distributor, it could not have entered the market through official channels, and if anything goes wrong, there is no one to hold accountable.

Grey imports arrive in a suitcase

Grey import means goods brought in from Thailand individually, typically in passenger luggage, without the manufacturer's export approval. Such a batch comes with no invoice, no identifiable distributor behind it, and no way to trace its origin. Our stock comes directly from the manufacturer, and the origin of every batch can be proven with an official manufacturer's invoice.

Keeping it intense for longer

Hong Thai's essential oils evaporate faster in heat. Left in the sun or in a car in summer, the jar will seem more intense, but it also loses its strength sooner, so it is worth closing the cap properly after every use.

Wear is signalled by the scent, not the quantity: when the familiar character starts to fade or change, it is time to open a new jar. The product is made for everyday life, and it belongs in your bag, your car, on your desk.

For what this product actually is and how it is used in Thailand, see our separate article: what the Hong Thai inhaler is.

How do I know I am getting an original?

The label carries the Thai G registration number, the lot number and the named European importer, and the batch’s origin can be proven with a manufacturer’s invoice. If any of these is missing, the product’s origin cannot be verified.

Why has the scent changed?

The essential oils evaporate over time, and faster in heat. When the familiar character fades or changes, it is time to open a new one.