Non-EU Resident, Non-EU Flagged Boat, Personal items during entry by air

[VikingBlod]

I am in the final stages of buying a boat in France and plan to bring a number of personal items (clothes, computers, life jackets, etc.) onto the boat which I will carry with me in checked luggage on the plane.

The boat needs new sails so I was wondering if I could bring those with me as well and avoid VAT. I understand if the sails are shipped to France I would incur VAT and Duty. Trying to understand what is possible.

Thanks Neil

[nightowle]

Your new sails would clearly exceed the duty-free exclusion allowance no doubt, even for personal possessions. You could try to waltz through the "nothing to declare" lane but sails are large and heavy. Unless we're talking a dinghy here.

[boatman61]

You could have the sails made in France and claim back the vat.. just have to leave the EU within 90 days of purchase and submit the claim at the port you clear out off.