The Exportation Process is a frequent source of confusion during an aircraft transaction with European aircraft leaving the European Union to go to another region such as the USA or Asia. Formally leaving the European Union is not simply flying the aircraft out of the country.
There are two parts to an aircraft export: a customs export and a physical export. In the EU, an aircraft has a physical presence and a customs presence. When an aircraft is purchased to be based in the EU, it has to be imported for customs purposes allowing it to travel freely throughout the European Union without facing import consequences in each member state. Conversely, when the aircraft is sold to be based outside the EU, a customs export has to be obtained removing its status as an imported good. This differs from the physical export which involves a de-registration of the aircraft and a physical exit from the European Union.
As an example of the process for an aircraft going from the EU to the USA, typically the aircraft is de-registered on the closing call, followed by the aircraft obtaining a USA FAA registration. This can all happen while the aircraft is physically in the EU. The aircraft can now fly out of the EU on its new registration. At the last airport in the EU that the aircraft departs from, an EU customs export must be filed and a permission to depart received. Then the aircraft can depart the EU, and upon landing in the USA the exportation process can be completed.
The export process can be confusing and involves proper paperwork, filing and timing. Your broker should know good Customs Firms to work with who will provide a smooth, quick and easy export/import process for you. While a firm can manage the filing and details for this procedure, as an owner, it is wise to understand the necessity of the process and what the overall procedure entails.
Blogs are written from real world experience by Colibri Aircraft’s individuals. If you have any questions or comments about the topic of this blog, please feel free to contact us at enquiries@colibriaircraft.com
