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.

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.

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.

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.

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.