Aircraft Import Procedures

 Aircraft Import Procedures from Ipologistics

 

Aircraft Import Procedures – At Ipologistics, with many years of experience in logistics and international transportation, we are pleased to offer our consultancy services and assist you in the aircraft import process to Vietnam. As you may know, importing aircraft is a complex procedure that requires a full understanding of legal regulations, taxes, HS codes, quality standards, and aviation safety requirements. To help you better understand this process, the following article will provide detailed information about the steps involved, related legal aspects, HS codes, tax policies, and available incentives when importing aircraft.

1. Detailed Aircraft Import Procedure

Importing aircraft is a process with several essential steps. To help you understand, we will divide the process into the following basic steps, from preparing the documentation to when the aircraft is ready for use in Vietnam.

Step 1: Preparing the Aircraft Import Documentation

You need to prepare all the necessary documents before starting the import procedure. The import documentation includes the following important documents:

1. Commercial Invoice: This is an essential document that shows the aircraft’s value, seller and buyer information, payment terms, and transaction value. The commercial invoice is the basis for determining the aircraft’s value and import tax.
2. Packing List: The packing list will detail the quantity, size, and weight of the aircraft. This document helps customs officers verify the imported goods.
3. Bill of Lading: This is the transport document that certifies the ownership and transfer of the aircraft during international transport.
4. Certificate of Origin: Provides information on the origin of the aircraft, which helps determine the correct tax rates and ensures entitlement to tax benefits if applicable.
5. Certificate of Quality: This certifies that the aircraft meets international quality standards, especially for new aircraft.
6. Sales Contract: This document outlines the terms and commitments between the buyer and seller, serving as a legal basis for the import process.
7. Import License (if required): Certain types of aircraft, particularly military or specialized-use aircraft, may require an import license from the relevant authorities.

Step 2: Customs Declaration

Customs declaration is an important step to verify the goods and determine the import tax rate. Ipologistics will proceed with electronic customs declaration via the VNACCS/VCIS system – a system developed by the Vietnam General Department of Customs. Here are the important aspects to focus on during the declaration:

1. HS Code Information: This factor determines the import tax rate for the aircraft. Declaring the correct HS code will help avoid errors and legal risks.
2. Aircraft Value: The exact value of the aircraft should be declared based on the commercial invoice to determine the import tax and VAT.
3. Origin Information: You must provide information on the country of origin of the aircraft because import taxes may vary depending on the source country (benefits from Free Trade Agreements).

Step 3: Inspection and Customs Clearance

After the customs declaration, customs officers will verify the declaration documents and the goods. The inspection includes:

• Document Verification: Customs officers will compare documents such as the commercial invoice, import license, sales contract, certificate of origin, and quality certification.
• Tax Assessment: Based on the HS code and the aircraft’s value, customs will determine the import tax, VAT, and any additional fees (if applicable).
• Technical and Safety Inspection: Particularly for used aircraft, relevant authorities may require a safety and technical inspection to ensure the aircraft meets flight safety standards before being used in Vietnam.

After completing all necessary procedures, the aircraft will be cleared for import and ready for delivery to your designated location.

Step 4: Goods Release and Aircraft Registration

Once the aircraft passes customs clearance, you will receive a release certificate from the customs authority. To allow the aircraft to operate in Vietnam, you will need to register it with the Vietnam Civil Aviation Authority (CAAV). The procedures include:

• Airworthiness Certification: This certificate confirms that the aircraft meets the required technical and safety standards set by the CAAV.
• Maintenance Compliance: The aircraft must be regularly maintained as per CAAV’s requirements to ensure it is ready for operation.

2. Relevant HS Code for Aircraft Import

Determining the correct HS code is a critical aspect of the import process, as it directly impacts the import tax rate. Common HS codes for aircraft include:

• 8802.11: Small and medium-sized aircraft, used for passenger or cargo transportation (9 to 19 seats).
• 8802.12: Large aircraft, used for passenger or cargo transportation (20 or more seats).
• 8802.20: Military or special-use aircraft, such as those for rescue, firefighting, etc.

Declaring the correct HS code will help you avoid paying excessive taxes or facing legal issues during customs clearance.

3. Legal Regulations Related to Aircraft Import

In addition to customs procedures, there are also legal regulations you should be aware of when importing aircraft:

3.1. Aviation Safety Regulations

The Vietnam Civil Aviation Authority (CAAV) is the authority responsible for licensing and inspecting aircraft safety. Regulations related to safety include:

• Airworthiness Certification: Confirms that the aircraft meets flight safety requirements.
• Maintenance and Periodic Inspections: Aircraft must undergo regular maintenance and inspections as required by CAAV.

3.2. Taxes and Customs Policy

The import tax rate for aircraft will depend on the HS code, origin, and value of the aircraft. The taxes include:

• Import Duty: The import duty rate varies based on the type of aircraft (commercial, military, or special-use) and any free trade agreements in place.
• Value Added Tax (VAT): All imported aircraft are subject to VAT as per the current law in Vietnam.

3.3. Support Policies and Tax Benefits

The Vietnamese government has introduced incentive policies for aircraft used for public purposes, such as those for transportation, rescue, or national security. These aircraft may be eligible for reduced or exempted import duties, reducing the overall import cost.

4. Conclusion

Importing aircraft is a complex process requiring thorough understanding of legal regulations, tax rates, HS codes, and aviation safety standards. Ipologistics is committed to assisting you throughout the entire process, from documentation preparation, customs declaration, inspection, clearance, and registration, to the aircraft’s operation in Vietnam.

We hope this article has provided you with a clear understanding of the aircraft import procedure and the related legal aspects. Should you have any further questions or need additional assistance. Please do not hesitate to contact our expert team for detailed and professional advice.