Inter-RIR Transfer process
Inter-RIR IP Address Transfer
How it's done?
IPv4 space can be transferred between address holders in the ARIN, APNIC, RIPE and LACNIC regions. Interregional transfers provide greater opportunities for both Buyers and Sellers in the IPv4 market.
IPTrading.com has authored and promoted RIR policies that have facilitated interRIR transfers, and brokered the world’s first interregional transfer in 2012.
1> Buyer creates an Account in their RIR
A Buyer wishing to receive IPv4 space will generally set up an account in their local registry (ARIN, APNIC, RIPE or LACNIC). There are exceptions in RIPE for end user space (RIPE PI) or Legacy space.
2> Buyer applies for preapproval
Buyers need to demonstrate to their RIR that they have a justifiable need for IPv4 space before receiving it (even though they are willing to pay for it). ARIN, APNIC and LACNIC offer a preapproval process that can be completed prior to an actual IPv4 transfer. RIPE does not so justification must be done during the transfer process.
3> Buyer and Seller negotiate sale under guidance of Broker
Under the guidance of the Broker, Buyer and Seller negotiate the price and terms of the IPv4 sale. In most cases, Buyer and Seller will execute an Asset Purchase Agreement codifying these terms. The Asset Purchase Agreement is a legally binding document that specifies when the Buyer is to fund escrow, and to which escrow agent, when the Seller is to initiate the transfer, and when the funds are to be released from escrow to the Seller. The RIRs are not involved in this step although they are aware that money often changes hands when IPv4 space is transferred.
4> Seller initiates a transfer request with their RIR
The Seller enters an InterRIR transfer request in their RIR’s online portal. Generally, the process is similar to entering an IntraRIR request, but requires more details about the Buyer’s organization since the Seller’s RIR has no relationship to or contact information with the Buyer.
5> RIR may invoice Seller for Transfer Fee
Sellers in the APNIC or LACNIC regions and some Sellers in the ARIN region will have to pay a transfer fee early in the process.
6> Seller’s RIR approves Transfer Request
The Seller’s RIR may request additional information such as company registration documents. In most RIRs, the Seller will have to sign a form confirming their desire to proceed with the transfer.
7> Seller’s RIR sends Transfer Request to Buyer’s RIR
The Seller’s RIR does not interact with the Buyer at all and only approves the Seller’s side of the transfer. Once approved, the Seller’s RIR sends the transfer request to the Buyer’s RIR.
8> Buyer’s RIR contacts Buyer
The RIR of the receiving organization will contact the Buyer to confirm they wish to receive the IPv4 transfer. If the Buyer is not preapproved they will have to go through the justification process. As RIPE has no preapproval process, RIPE Buyers will undergo a fairly straightforward justification process projecting that they will use at least 50 percent of the purchased IPv4 space over the next five years.
9> Buyer’s RIR approves Transfer Request
Once the Buyer is approved, their RIR may require them to sign a form confirming their acceptance of the transfer. In ARIN, APNIC and LACNIC, Buyers will generally be charged a transfer fee either prior to or shortly after transfer completion.
10> Both RIRs complete Transfer Request
Once both sides of the transfer are approved, the parties will be notified and the Buyer’s and Seller’s RIR will coordinate a date to simultaneously update their Whois databases.
