The global market for business aircraft sales opens up a wider range of options for both buyers and sellers. However, cross-border transactions for a used corporate plane are far more complex than domestic deals, involving a layered process of regulations, logistics, and legal considerations. Understanding the nuances of importing and exporting is essential to a successful and compliant transaction.

ASSEMBLING YOUR EXPERT INTERNATIONAL TEAM

For international transactions, a specialized team is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. This team helps navigate complex, country-specific regulations and ensures a smooth process.

• International Aircraft Broker: A trusted IADA accredited aircraft broker with international experience understands different market dynamics and can help find the right aircraft or buyer, manage cross-cultural communications, and coordinate logistics.

• Aviation Attorney: A lawyer with expertise in international aircraft transactions is vital for drafting purchase agreements that account for the unique aspects of a cross-border sale, including jurisdiction, de-registration, and delivery logistics.

• Customs Broker: An experienced, licensed customs broker handles the required electronic filings, ensures proper documentation is submitted, and manages any duties, taxes, or fees that apply.

• Designated Airworthiness Representative (DAR): A DAR can inspect the aircraft and its records to confirm compliance with the importing country’s regulations, leading to the issuance of a new Certificate of Airworthiness.

THE EXPORT PROCESS (SELLING INTERNATIONALLY)

When exporting an aircraft from the United States, several steps are crucial.

• Electronic Export Information (EEI) Filing: For permanent exports, an EEI filing is required via the U.S. Census Bureau’s Automated Export System (AES). The filing must be made before the aircraft is removed from the U.S. and is often handled by a customs broker.

• De-registration: The aircraft must be officially deregistered from the FAA registry. This process involves filing a request with the FAA and ensuring any security instruments or liens are resolved or consented to.

• Export Certificate of Airworthiness: The seller obtains an Export Certificate of Airworthiness (C of A) from the FAA. This certificate confirms the aircraft meets its type design and is in a safe condition for flight, as documented by the exporter.

• Customs Clearance: The aircraft must clear customs before leaving the exporting country. The customs broker ensures all necessary paperwork is in order and that the flight departs from an authorized point of departure.

THE IMPORT PROCESS (BUYING INTERNATIONALLY)

Importing an aircraft into the United States has specific regulatory and procedural requirements.

• Importing for Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI): If the aircraft is brought into the U.S. for a PPI, it is treated as permanently imported for customs purposes. A customs bond and formal entry are generally required at the time of entry.

• Export Certificate of Airworthiness (C of A):
  
  – If the aircraft was manufactured outside the United States, an Export C of A must be issued by the exporting country before the FAA will authorize issuance of a U.S. Certificate of Airworthiness.
  
  – If the aircraft was manufactured in the United States, no Export C of A is required for re-import.

• Airworthiness Conformity: The aircraft and its records must meet FAA standards. A Designated Airworthiness Representative (DAR) will perform a physical inspection and review the records. The minimum inspection required for issuance of a U.S. Certificate of Airworthiness is a 100-hour inspection (this replaced the former “annual type inspection” requirement).

• Customs and Border Protection (CBP): A licensed customs broker typically manages the electronic filings and payments of duties or taxes at the designated U.S. port of entry.

• Tariffs and Duties: Recent U.S. tariff actions have imposed duties on certain foreign-manufactured aircraft. These tariffs, if applicable, are collected by CBP at the point of entry. A potential exemption exists if the aircraft was originally U.S.-based, exported, and then reimported within three years of its export date. In all cases, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) should be carefully reviewed in advance of import to determine whether a duty or tariff applies.

• Registration: Once customs and airworthiness requirements are satisfied, the new owner files for registration with the FAA. The aircraft may only be legally ferried within the U.S. after the FAA issues the “fly wire” confirming that registration is active.

Navigating the International Business Aircraft Transaction

A cross-border business aircraft transaction requires careful planning and coordination. The process involves multiple government agencies, specialized documents, and strict timelines. Working with a knowledgeable and trusted international IADA broker and legal counsel from the outset is the best way to ensure compliance and avoid costly delays or penalties.

At Holstein Aviation, our IADA certified professionals bring decades of domestic and international transaction experience, real-time market intelligence and global reach. We guide our clients through every step of the process, ensuring confidence and clarity in today’s dynamic environment. If you’re preparing to buy an aircraft or sell your aircraft domestically or internationally, Holstein Aviation is your trusted partner in business aviation.