Import Used Aviation Parts Precautions

Hello everyone, I’m Lao Tao, working in international logistics. Today let’s continue our discussion on importing used goods, this time focusing on used aviation parts. These are quite different from used agricultural machinery — they fall into the “high-precision” category of used goods.

However, the core issues to watch for when importing essentially come down to four points: HS code classification, customs supervision requirements, customs valuation of used goods, and on-site customs inspection.

Step One: Determine the applicable HS code. This is the first step that determines all subsequent processes, and it’s also the most critical one.

• If the product falls under Chapter 88 of the customs tariff schedule, listed as “aircraft-specific components” — such as aircraft-specific engines, landing gear, air intakes, etc. — then import supervision is relatively less cumbersome. These products are not within the mandatory scope of the “Inspection and Supervision Measures List for Used Mechanical and Electrical Products,” and typically do not require pre-shipment inspection.
• If the product falls under Chapter 84 or other chapters — such as certain general-purpose mechanical components — then you must follow the rules for ordinary used mechanical and electrical products and carefully check that supervision list. You must confirm three things: Is it prohibited from import? Does it require pre-shipment inspection? Does it qualify as a key used mechanical/electrical product that requires an import license?

Step Two: Check customs supervision requirements. After verification, if there are special supervision requirements, you must obtain every required certificate without exception.

• Pre-shipment inspection: If required, the inspection must be completed and a passing report obtained before the goods are shipped from abroad. This is a hard threshold for customs clearance.
• Import license: If the product falls under the key used mechanical and electrical products catalog, you must apply to the Ministry of Commerce for a license in advance. Without it, customs clearance is impossible.

Step Three: Look at customs valuation. This is the difficult and critical part of declaring used goods. Customs has a reference formula for valuing used goods. But the formula is only a reference — the key is evidence. You need to prepare a detailed “Used Goods Price Explanation” to clearly explain to customs why you declared the price you did. If that still doesn’t convince customs, you can provide supporting documents such as purchase payment vouchers, emails negotiating prices with overseas suppliers, or screenshots of similar products on international auction platforms. Additionally, the “Declaration for Import of Used Mechanical and Electrical Products” is also a required document, primarily used to declare the product’s condition, especially to explain whether it qualifies for exemption from pre-shipment inspection.

Step Four: Look at customs inspection. For used aviation parts, customs — out of safety and trade compliance considerations — will typically issue a “destination inspection” or “inspection” instruction. This means your goods cannot be directly sold or used; they must be transported intact to the “domestic destination” and opened for inspection under the supervision of the local customs office. Only after the inspection confirms everything is in order can the goods be sold and used. For aviation parts, customs inspection will usually ask whether there is an “airworthiness certificate.” If the used aviation parts you are importing are intended for maintenance and installation on aircraft, then an airworthiness certificate is definitely required. If the used aviation parts you are importing are non-installation components — for example, for teaching, training, or exhibition/display purposes — providing detailed explanatory documents will suffice.

That’s all for today on the core logic of importing used aviation parts. See you next time.

In-Depth Analysis

This article provides a deeper analysis based on the video content.

Hello everyone, I’m Lao Tao, working in international logistics. Today let’s continue our discussion on importing used goods, this time focusing on used aviation parts. These are quite different from used agricultural machinery — they fall into the “high-precision” category of used goods.

However, the core issues to watch for when importing essentially come down to four points: HS code classification, customs supervision requirements, customs valuation of used goods, and on-site customs inspection.

Step One: Determine the applicable HS code. This is the first step that determines all subsequent processes, and it’s also the most critical one.

• If the product falls under Chapter 88 of the customs tariff schedule, listed as “aircraft-specific components” — such as aircraft-specific engines, landing gear, air intakes, etc. — then import supervision is relatively less cumbersome. These products are not within the mandatory scope of the “Inspection and Supervision Measures List for Used Mechanical and Electrical Products,” and typically do not require pre-shipment inspection.
• If the product falls under Chapter 84 or other chapters — such as certain general-purpose mechanical components — then you must follow the rules for ordinary used mechanical and electrical products and carefully check that supervision list. You must confirm three things: Is it prohibited from import? Does it require pre-shipment inspection? Does it qualify as a key used mechanical/electrical product that requires an import license?

Step Two: Check customs supervision requirements. After verification, if there are special supervision requirements, you must obtain every required certificate without exception.

• Pre-shipment inspection: If required, the inspection must be completed and a passing report obtained before the goods are shipped from abroad. This is a hard threshold for customs clearance.
• Import license: If the product falls under the key used mechanical and electrical products catalog, you must apply to the Ministry of Commerce for a license in advance. Without it, customs clearance is impossible.

Step Three: Look at customs valuation. This is the difficult and critical part of declaring used goods. Customs has a reference formula for valuing used goods. But the formula is only a reference — the key is evidence. You need to prepare a detailed “Used Goods Price Explanation” to clearly explain to customs why you declared the price you did. If that still doesn’t convince customs, you can provide supporting documents such as purchase payment vouchers, emails negotiating prices with overseas suppliers, or screenshots of similar products on international auction platforms. Additionally, the “Declaration for Import of Used Mechanical and Electrical Products” is also a required document, primarily used to declare the product’s condition, especially to explain whether it qualifies for exemption from pre-shipment inspection.

Step Four: Look at customs inspection. For used aviation parts, customs — out of safety and trade compliance considerations — will typically issue a “destination inspection” or “inspection” instruction. This means your goods cannot be directly sold or used; they must be transported intact to the “domestic destination” and opened for inspection under the supervision of the local customs office. Only after the inspection confirms everything is in order can the goods be sold and used. For aviation parts, customs inspection will usually ask whether there is an “airworthiness certificate.” If the used aviation parts you are importing are intended for maintenance and installation on aircraft, then an airworthiness certificate is definitely required. If the used aviation parts you are importing are non-installation components — for example, for teaching, training, or exhibition/display purposes — providing detailed explanatory documents will suffice.

That’s all for today on the core logic of importing used aviation parts. See you next time.

Summary

The above is a detailed introduction to precautions for importing used aviation parts. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Vortrich International Freight for consultation.