9 Min Read | 03 Jan 2025 | Key Words: IPv4 Market, RIR Policies, IP Address Transfers, ARIN, RIPE, APNIC, LACNIC, AFRINIC,

RIRs and the Evolving IPv4 Market

Regional Internet Registries (RIRs) manage the allocation and distribution of IP addresses in specific regions. Just like how a city gives street addresses to each home, RIRs assign unique IP addresses to devices connecting to the internet. As more people and devices go online, the demand for IPv4 addresses is growing faster than the available supply. While IPv6 is a long-term solution, many businesses still rely on IPv4 due to the slow transition.

To solve this shortage, IP address transfers allow companies with surplus addresses to transfer them to those in need. It’s important to keep up with the latest RIR policies because they directly influence the availability, cost, and transfer process of IPv4 addresses. In the following sections, we’ll explore key RIR transfer policies, their impact on the IPv4 market, and best practices for navigating these changes.

Overview of RIRs and Their Transfer Policies

Regional Internet Registries (RIRs) manage and distribute IP address blocks to ensure accurate allocation and prevent conflicts that could cause traffic, security, and operational issues.

Originally focused on new address distribution, RIRs now prioritize data accuracy and address transfers. There are five major RIRs globally, each serving a specific region, with policies shaped by their communities to meet local needs and manage transfers.

The Five Major RIRs

• ARIN: Serves North America, including the United States, Canada, and parts of the Caribbean.
• RIPE NCC: Covers Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Central Asia.
• APNIC: Responsible for the Asia-Pacific region.
• LACNIC: Manages IP addresses for Latin America and the Caribbean.
• AFRINIC: Operates in Africa.

Types of IP Address Transfers

IP address transfers allow organizations to change the registered holder of IP address blocks. This process involves transferring both the rights and responsibilities for managing those addresses. There are two main types of transfers:

• Intra-RIR Transfers (Within the Same RIR Region): These occur when an organization transfers IP addresses within the same RIR’s jurisdiction. These transfers are typically simple because they follow the policies of the same RIR.

• Inter-RIR Transfers (Across Different RIR Regions): These are transfers between IP address holders in different RIR regions. They are often more complicated due to the differences in policies between regions. They require both RIRs to agree on the transfer, and each RIR may have different rules and processes for approving them.

RIR Membership & Transfer Fees Overview

Understanding the membership and transfer fees of RIPE NCC, ARIN, APNIC, LACNIC, and AFRINIC will help you navigate the costs involved in acquiring and transferring IP resources. These fees vary by region and resource allocation, impacting both new and existing members.

RIPE NCC

Membership Fees

Resource Transfer Fees

Fee Type	Amount (EUR)	Details
Intra-RIR Transfer Fee	€500	Details of the Intra-RIR procedure click here
Inter-RIR Transfer Fee	€500	Details of the Inter-RIR procedure click here

ARIN

Membership Fees

Fee Type	Amount (USD)	Details
Sign-Up Fee	$500	Learn more click here
Annual Service Fee	Varies	ARIN charges fees based on the total IPv4/IPv6 address space or ASNs held, with a minimum fee of $262.50 for a /24 IPv4 block.Learn more click here

Transaction Fees

Fee Type	Amount (USD)	Details
Intra-RIR Transfer Fee	$500	Details of the transfer procedue click here The recipient pays a fee based on IPv4 transfer size, starting at $187.50 for a /24, applicable to both Intra-RIR and Inter-RIR transfers.learn more click here
Inter-RIR Transfer Fee

APNIC

Membership Fees

Fee Type	Amount (AUD)	Details
Sign-Up Fee	$500	Charged for new members registering an LIR account.
Annual Membership Fee	Varies	Maintenance fee varies depending on the allocated IP addresses. Lean more click here The 2025 membership fee for a /24 is AUD 1,236.
Fee Per ASN Assignment	$500	Charged for each Autonomous System Number (ASN) assignment.

Resource Transfer Fees

Fee Type	Amount (AUD)	Details
Intra-RIR Transfer Fee	The transfer fee is 20% of the total IPv4 address cost. For a /24, it’s AUD 236.	The receiver will be charged the transfer fee. Learn more click here
Inter-RIR Transfer Fee		APNIC Members pay the transfer fee for both receiving from and transferring to another RIR.

Lacnic

Membership Fees

Fee Type	Amount (USD)	Details
Sign-Up Fee	$600	IPv4 Fees for ISPs click here Details of the application procedure click here
Annual Membership Fee	$600
Renewal Discount	-5%	Discount for invoices paid 65 days before the due date
Late Payment Surcharge	+5%	Applied if payment is 30 days past due

Resource Transfer Fees

Transaction Type	Amount (AUD)	Details
Intra-RIR Transfer Fee	$1,000-$1,500	Based on block size: /24 ≤ X < /19 pay $1,000 X ≥ /19 pay $1,500 Details of the Intra application procedure click here
Inter-RIR Transfer Fee	$1,000-$1,500	Based on block size: /24 ≤ X < /19 pay $1,000 X ≥ /19 pay $1,500 Details of the Inter application procedure click here

AFRINIC

Membership Fees

Fee Type	Amount (USD)	Details
Annual Service Fee	Varies	AFRINIC charges a $1,200 fee for a minimum /22 IP allocation. Learn more click here
Allocation Fee	Varies	The allocation fee for a minimum /24 – </23 is $1,000. Learn more click here

Resource Transfer Fees

The fee structure for the Intra-RIR transfer depends on whether the recipient is a new or existing AFRINIC member.

New AFRINIC Member: Must pay the annual membership fee and a one-time allocation/assignment fee based on the size of the transfer.

Existing AFRINIC Member: Must be in good standing and pay only the one-time allocation/assignment fee.

Impact of IPv4 Transfers on the Market

IP address transfers play a crucial role in managing the growing demand for IPv4 addresses. These transfers can occur either within the same RIR region (Intra-RIR) or across different regions (Inter-RIR), each with its unique implications.

Intra-RIR Transfers:

• Facilitate trading or reallocating IPv4 addresses within the same RIR region.
• Help optimize resource distribution within the region.
• Enhance flexibility, especially in regions with IPv4 shortages.

Inter-RIR Transfers:

• Enable IPv4 address transfers across different RIR regions.
• Offer flexibility to address regional resource shortages and price variations.
• Are more complex due to differences in regional policies.
• May influence market prices, increasing costs in scarce regions and offering lower costs in surplus regions.

Exploring the IPv4 Market Through RIR Policy Insights

If you urgently need IPv4 resources, RIPE is the best choice due to its address allocation system based on recycling, and IPv4 Superhub can usually help clients submit applications within two weeks. In contrast, ARIN has the longest waitlist, expected until mid-2034, while LACNIC’s wait time depends on address recycling, and often takes several years. To minimize delays, apply early and consider IP transfer opportunities from other RIRs,

RIR policies impact IPv4 pricing, availability, and demand. Businesses must ensure the legitimacy of IP resources through due diligence and work with trusted brokers. Staying updated on IPv4 trends and adapting to IPv6 adoption is vital for managing these changes.

IPv4 transfers can be complex due to regional policy differences and compliance requirements. IPv4 Superhub simplifies this by verifying sellers, offering secure escrow services, and ensuring compliance, helping businesses manage IP resources efficiently. For expert support, visit our website.