After almost a year of debate and discussion the final phase of the policy development process was completed with the implementation of the policy into the operating practice at APNIC.  When IPv4 transfer policies were adopted to various RIRs most adopted policies which required some form of a “needs based” assessment before they would record a transfer, APNIC’s original IPv4 directed transfer policy did not require any “needs based” requirement.  This policy change brings APNIC policy inline with the other 3 RIRs which allow directed transfers.  (AfriNIC does not currently have an adopted IPv4 directed transfer policy)

http://www.apnic.net/publications/news/2011/prop-096-implemented

UPDATE:

Two commentaries on the requirement for “needs” based assessments.

The Invisible Hand vs. the Public Interest in IPv4 Address Distribution

International trade in IP address blocks