U.S. Customs Consultant Lends Expertise To Duncan Aviation Aircraft Sales Team

When an aircraft is purchased internationally and brought into the U.S., one of the last steps is ensuring the aircraft meets all requirements for the U.S. Customs agency. The de-registration and re-registration process meets the FAA regulations, but does not necessarily meet the regulations of U.S. Customs. Duncan Aviation’s Aircraft Sales team and its customers can now lean on the expertise of Duncan Aviation’s International Compliance Officer Steve Rothanzl.

“It might seem to be a minor step, but making sure an aircraft is cleared through U.S. Customs can be a tedious and expensive task. A private aircraft enjoys many exemptions from importation regulations. However, when that aircraft is changing ownership, the aircraft itself is actually treated as cargo” Rothanzl says. “U.S. and other Customs agencies have the authority to levy large fines and penalties if proper procedures and paperwork are not followed. For this reason, it is vital that operators know and understand the proper Customs procedures.”

Rothanzl is a long-time Duncan Aviation team member who started in 1997. For the last six years, he has been working to help customers and the company stay in compliance with all United States government policies regulating the import and export of all shipments and aircraft into and out of the United States, either destined for or leaving Duncan Aviation. He continuously studies the ever-changing and often vague government regulations and educates Duncan Aviation team members and customers on what is required to avoid delays, fines and duty fees.

U.S. Customs offices are located at specified airports of entry with the goal of verifying that no illegal items are being imported, all documents and paperwork are in order, and that any tax or duty is collected. All procedures must be followed by the aircraft operator and the required documents are needed. If an operator does not comply, a fine of $5,000 per violation may be assessed. In addition, Customs can and does seize airplanes for gross violations.

“To prevent issues from arising, operators should hire a Customs broker when bringing their aircraft through U.S. Customs,” says Steve Gade, vice president of aircraft sales, marketing and new business development for Duncan Aviation. “With access to Steve Rothanzl’s expertise, Duncan Aviation’s aircraft sales customers will be able to successfully navigate the Customs regulations while avoiding a large part of that extra expense. It’s just another added value for our clients.”