US Aircraft Parts Suppliers: A Buyer’s Guide
Rotable and consumable parts, engines, avionics and landing gear: few industries demand so much documentation and traceability. This guide sums up what to ask the supplier for.
| Industry | Aircraft parts |
|---|---|
| Main tariff headings (Harmonized System) | 8807, 8411, 8407 |
| U.S. agencies involved | Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS); U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) |
| Official sources cited | 3 |
| Last reviewed | 2026-10-07 |
Tariff headings you should know
- 8807: parts of aircraft (since the 2022 amendment of the Harmonized System; before that they were in 8803).
- 8411: turbojets, turbopropellers and other gas turbines, and their parts.
- 8407: spark-ignition piston engines.
FAA Form 8130-3 and traceability
- FAA Form 8130-3 (Authorized Release Certificate, Airworthiness Approval Tag) documents the airworthiness status of FAA-approved products and articles and makes them easier to trace.
- According to the FAA, the 8130-3 does not constitute approval to install the part on a particular aircraft, but it helps the user determine its approval status.
- It is also used for export within the scope of the FAA’s bilateral agreements with other countries. Your aviation authority defines which documentation it accepts.
Export controls
According to the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), an item subject to U.S. export regulations that is not listed in any category of the Commerce Control List is classified as EAR99, and in most cases it does not need a license to be exported; it may need one if it is going to a restricted end user, end use or destination. Ask the manufacturer for the export classification (ECCN or EAR99) of what you are buying.
According to BIS, ECCN 9A991.d covers parts and components specially designed for aircraft that are not specified elsewhere. Other parts have stricter controls: those designed for military aircraft are in ECCN 9A610 or on the U.S. Munitions List (ITAR, 22 CFR part 121, Category VIII) and require a license. The supplier must classify each one and verify the end user and the end use.
How to choose and verify the supplier
- Buy from distributors and repair stations that can deliver the 8130-3 and full traceability before payment.
- Be wary of parts without documentation or with very low prices.
- Check that the company exists: business registration in its state, physical address, website and references from other buyers.
- Check that it does not appear on the U.S. restricted-party lists, and ask for a formal quotation with the Incoterm, lead time and payment terms.
Frequently asked questions
What is FAA Form 8130-3?
It is the FAA’s authorized release certificate, which documents the airworthiness status of an approved part. It is not, by itself, approval to install it on a particular aircraft.
Do I need a license to buy aircraft parts?
It depends on the classification of each part. Many aircraft parts are classified in ECCN 9A991.d, but those for military use (ECCN 9A610 or ITAR) require a license, and certain destinations and end users require one for any part. The supplier must classify them.
Official sources
- FAA: questions and answers on Form 8130-3
- BIS: interactive Commerce Control List
- USITC: Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States
This page is general information to help you get started. It is not legal, tax or customs advice, and regulations change. Confirm current requirements with the official sources above or with a licensed customs broker, freight forwarder or trade compliance professional.