U.K. boats returning to the U.K. from the EU

[goboatingnow]

I was recently talking to several U.K. boat owners who are talking their boats back to the U.K. under the grace period announced by U.K. HMRC to avoid being charged U.K. vat on arrival into the U.K. I know of about 7 boats going back.

What’s interesting is the HMRC grace period only applies to vessels that were bought in the U.K. ie that’s where they originally paid European vat.

I dont think this stipulation has registered with people that bought their yacht in Europe and registered it under the U.K. flag and are sending these boats home. Technically they are now liable for U.K. vat if outside the U.K. for more then 3 years.