Importing a ship from the US into Europe

[scarab]

Hi,

A friend of mine is looking at some used sailboats ( older than 20 years ) along the west coast of the US.
What is the right procedure to follow to import this vessel into Europe ( Belgium ) ?
I know for recent boats to enter the EU there is a CE certification required.

Thanks,

Koen

[SandyM]

You are entrering the well charted but treacherous waters of the European Union Recreational Craft Directive. The following link will give more details principally covering details of importing to GB (I think we are the only place daft enough to abide by these rules, the rest of Europe pays lip service to them) RYA - www.rya.org.uk - Recreational Craft Directive
Good luck
SandyM

[CSY Man]

A friend tried to import a CSY 44 to Norway, but the 1985 vintage Perkins did not pass the emission test for CE. The only solution was to put a new engine in the boat. No deal.

[scarab]

SandyM,

I want to import to Belgium. What do you mean by :...the rest of Europe pays lip service to them ?

Koen

[SandyM]

My apologies. I am very cynical when it comes to European Union legislation and how our government seems to use it as an excuse to extract more taxes from us. i.e. banning the use of "red" untaxed diesel by leisure sailors. I am sure the Belgian government is equally as consciensious.
The Recreational Craft Directive applies to boats built after a certian date. You should check the position with older boats.
Further problems could be Value Added Tax. Again here is a link which might help. Go to HM Revenue & Customs: Home Page

and search for Notice 252
“Valuation of imported goods for Customs purposes, VAT and
trade statistics". This Notice covers that issue, and should help

you understand how Customs reach valuations for VAT purposes.
What a mine field.
SandyM