Why businesses still look to Russia for aircraft parts

Despite sanctions and shifting trade routes, Russia remains a significant market for aircraft components, including parts for civil aviation, cargo fleets, and auxiliary equipment. For businesses in regions where trade is still permitted, sourcing or export of aircraft parts from Russia can offer cost advantages, access to legacy components, and opportunities in MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) supply chains.

However, this is a highly regulated area. Strict sanctions, export controls, and end-use checks mean you cannot treat aircraft parts like any other commodity. This is where a specialist partner such as Wigmore Trading can help you navigate the process safely and efficiently.

Understanding the rules to export aircraft parts from Russia

Before you export aircraft parts from Russia, you must understand the legal framework you are operating in. Multiple layers of regulation can apply at the same time:

• International sanctions and embargoes – Many Western countries have imposed sanctions on aviation-related goods connected to Russia. These often restrict the sale, supply, transfer, or export of aircraft and aircraft parts to, from, or for use in Russia, or to sanctioned entities.

• Export control lists – Aircraft components often appear on dual-use or military lists. Even seemingly “standard” parts may require export licences depending on their specification, application, and end user.

• Local Russian requirements – Russian customs, export documentation, and licensing rules must be followed precisely to avoid delays, seizures, or penalties.

• Banking and payments restrictions – Even when trade is legally permitted, not all banks are willing or able to process Russia-linked payments.

Because these rules change frequently and differ by country, it is essential to work with an experienced intermediary. Wigmore Trading can help you assess whether your planned transaction is permissible and what licences or approvals may be required.

Key steps to buy and export aircraft parts from Russia

To keep risk low and shipments moving, you should treat every transaction as a structured project. Typical steps include:

1. Verify product classification and restrictions

Start by classifying each aircraft part correctly (for example, under the Harmonised System code and any relevant export control list). This helps determine:

• Whether the part is subject to special controls or prohibitions

• If any export or re-export licences are required

• Which clearance procedures and documentation will be needed

A specialist trading partner can support you with classification and initial screening so you do not unintentionally handle restricted or banned items.

2. Screen suppliers, buyers, and end users

You must ensure that all parties in the transaction – suppliers, buyers, brokers, and end users – are not on sanctions or denied-party lists. Good practice includes:

• Sanctions list checks for all counterparties

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• End-use declarations for the parts

• Careful review of any red flags (for example unusual routing or payment arrangements)

Wigmore Trading can assist with due-diligence checks and documentation to support your compliance process.

3. Arrange compliant logistics and export documentation

Exporting aircraft parts from Russia requires precise paperwork and careful logistics planning. Depending on the route and destination, you may need:

• Commercial invoices and packing lists with correct technical descriptions

• Export licences or permits (where applicable)

• Certificates of origin or conformity

• Air, sea, or road transport documents, including any special handling notes

Working with freight forwarders that understand aviation cargo and Russia-linked movements reduces the risk of delays at customs or transit hubs. Wigmore Trading can help coordinate logistics partners and ensure that all paperwork is aligned.

4. Plan payment, currency, and risk management

Because of financial restrictions, you should agree how and where payments will be made early in the process. Consider:

• Which currencies are acceptable and practical

• Which banks are willing to handle the transaction

• Whether letters of credit, escrow, or staged payments are needed to manage risk

Having a trading intermediary such as Wigmore Trading between buyer and seller can help bridge expectations, reduce counterparty risk, and structure transactions more securely.

How Wigmore Trading supports aircraft parts exports from Russia

Wigmore Trading specialises in connecting buyers and sellers across complex markets, including challenging trade lanes. When you want to buy and export aircraft parts from Russia, our role is to make the process clearer, safer, and more efficient.

We can help with:

• Market sourcing – Identifying potential suppliers for specific aircraft components, including hard-to-find or legacy parts, where trade is permitted.

• Compliance support – Assisting with classification, sanctions screening, and documentation so your transaction aligns with applicable regulations.

• Trade facilitation – Acting as an intermediary between Russian counterparts and international buyers, helping to manage offers, contracts, and expectations.

• Logistics coordination – Working with experienced freight and customs partners to move parts from origin to destination with the right paperwork in place.

Our approach is practical and risk-aware. If a transaction cannot be completed in a compliant way, we will say so. Where it is possible, we work to streamline your sourcing while keeping compliance at the centre of the process. Wigmore Trading can help.

Best practices for safe, sustainable trade

If you plan to export aircraft parts from Russia, consider building these good practices into your internal procedures:

• Maintain Written SOPs for sanctions screening and export controls

• Keep detailed records of all licences, checks, and approvals

• Train staff who handle aircraft parts and Russia-linked trade

• Review deals regularly as laws and sanctions can change

• Work with specialist partners who actively follow regulatory updates

This approach protects your business from legal, financial, and reputational risk while enabling you to take advantage of legitimate, compliant opportunities in aviation supply chains.

If you are exploring how to buy and export aircraft parts from Russia, get in touch with our team to learn more.

Contact Wigmore Trading today to streamline your sourcing.