European Union Taxation

[Skents]

Not sure if anyone can help but.... Sailing a European vessel within European Union member states requires proof of taxation status (VAT). We built our own boat and paid VAT on all materials but whereas there used to be a single certificate available for UK Customs & Excise to prove this fact, there no longer is. Will our larger receipts for purchases (£100 and over) be enough when presented in Portugal and Spain or are we likely to end up in a nasty bureaucratic row? The UK Customs people say that is our only option. Anyone else cruising in a self built boat who can offer advice? Thanks