Import a Candian Licensed Vessel to the EU

[gulfislandfred]

A friend just bought a licensed (BC Numbers, as opposed to Registered by name) Camper Nicholson 35, which was, years ago, registered by name in the UK.

He wants to return to Europe at some point, and register the boat there.

Does anyone know what documentation he will need to register in Europe? We know he'll have to pay VAT. I think his citizenship is Romania.

Any information or links appreciated

Fred

[Pete7]

Fred, how is the boat arriving in Europe?

Pete

[gulfislandfred]

It would arrive by sail, nor sure what port.

[Kalinka1]

Originally Posted by gulfislandfred

A friend just bought a licensed (BC Numbers, as opposed to Registered by name) Camper Nicholson 35, which was, years ago, registered by name in the UK.

He wants to return to Europe at some point, and register the boat there.

Does anyone know what documentation he will need to register in Europe? We know he'll have to pay VAT. I think his citizenship is Romania.

Any information or links appreciated

Fred

He might want to check to see if it is still registered in the UK? If it is i don't see any problem. It would just mean changing the owners particulars. I also think that if the boat is old enough no vat is applicable?

[gulfislandfred]

There is some paperwork that shows it was taken off the UK register, when it came to Canada.

Thanks for the reply
Fred

[Pete7]

Originally Posted by Kalinka1

He might want to check to see if it is still registered in the UK? If it is i don't see any problem. It would just mean changing the owners particulars. I also think that if the boat is old enough no vat is applicable?

No that wouldn't work, you have to be resident in the UK to have a UK registration.

Why not register it in Romania?

[Anders]

Need to be resident in the UK to register on Part 3 (SSR), part 1 anyone can register on.
VAT is a legal requirement but look in to something like transfer of residence where he may be able to avoid paying VAT on the boat, all depends on where he is moving.

[crankysailor]

Hmm wait how old is the boat again? And when did it leave Europe? Boats built before 1985 I believe are VAT exempt if they were in the EU at least until 1992 (or so, google it to be sure). Also, if the boat was at some point registered in the UK it is not unthinkable that VAT was indeed paid at some point...maybe there is an invoice lying around somewhere?

[Pete7]

Customs will be delighted to point out that the yacht changed hands abroad and that will be the thick end of £5000 grand please. always looks good in the run up to end of year reports for customs officers.

The chance of finding the original receipt is none existent sadly as businesses who would have received the VAT before passing it on are normally only required to keep returns for 6 years.

Best choose a low rate of import tax area. The Azores used to be favourable for a good reason.

Pete

[crankysailor]

Hmm.. question .. what happens if an European, buys a boat in the Caribbean and never brings it to the EU.. is VAT still due, simply because of its flag?

[De.windhoos]

Originally Posted by crankysailor

Hmm.. question .. what happens if an European, buys a boat in the Caribbean and never brings it to the EU.. is VAT still due, simply because of its flag?

If the owner is an EU resident VAT is due, regardless where the boat is registered. Registration and VAT are 2 different things.

[CatNewBee]

Originally Posted by crankysailor

Hmm.. question .. what happens if an European, buys a boat in the Caribbean and never brings it to the EU.. is VAT still due, simply because of its flag?

Import Tax, CE-Certification and VAT are due as soon as you enter EU waters (after a grace period of max. 4 weeks to sort it out). As long as you stay away - no problem.

[boatman61]

VAT in the Azores is 18%.. the same as Malta so unless the rate is less in Romania I would pay it in Horta.. quick n easy to do.. I did mine there a couple of times when it was still 15%.. its also ones first port of call entering the EU
CE is only needed if and when you decide to sell it on in the EU so no immediate panic..
Romanian import tax rules you will have to check out for yourself.

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by crankysailor

Hmm.. question .. what happens if an European, buys a boat in the Caribbean and never brings it to the EU.. is VAT still due, simply because of its flag?

Depends where one buys it.. if on a French island from a Frenchman or other EU citizen and with EU reg likely not..
So one could sail it to the EU zero VAT..
If your not going there then no you dont pay VAT

[Prairie Chicken]

I believe if the boat was built in the EU and is a 1985 or older model it is not liable to VAT. Check the 1985 year though before hanging your hat on that; it might have been 1986 or '84.

Also, VAT would only be liable if/when the vessel enters EU waters.