Apropos VAT status

[zoidberg]

Following an adjacent thread which raised VAT Status and 'deemed', and reading Customs Form 8, can anyone advise if the Azores ( Portugal ) are/are not encompassed within the Schengen agreement? What about the European Economic Area?

 

[macd]

"the Schengen Area encompasses most EU States, except for Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania and the United Kingdom. However, Bulgaria and Romania are currently in the process of joining the Schengen Area. Of non-EU States, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein have joined the Schengen Area."

The latter four are, of course, EEA/EFTA.

https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/schengen_en

P.S. I might add that Schengen is nothing to do with VAT. It concerns the movement of people. For the present, at least, there's no VAT on people

The EU VAT area is listed in some detail here: https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_custo...al-status-eu-countries-certain-territories_en

You'll see that Portugal's Atlantic territories (Azores and Madeira) are fully part of the EU VAT zone (unlike, say, The Canaries vis a vis Spain).

 

[zoidberg]

Thanks, 'macd'. That reference is 'zackly what I wanted.

It'll help me ensure I carry the right documents and don't attract the unwelcome ministrations of the Mid-Atlantic Portugeezuses.

 

[macd]

You're welcome...but did you read it after my 'P.S.'?

 

[davidej]

The Azores is part of the EC.

Years ago, when I was thinking about buying an ex-charter boat in the Caribbean and sailing it home, the recommended plan was to stop at Horta and import it into the EC there. The rate of Vat (then) was only 12%

 

[macd]

The Azores is part of the EC.

Not since it became the EU 25 years ago. So far as I know the advice about importing into the Azores still stands (it's a natural first EU port of call, anyway, if buying in the Americas). Not only is VAT relatively low, but the valuations put on craft were often quite generous. I think the current Azores rate of VAT is 18%; in mainland Portugal, it's 4% more.

 

[zoidberg]

You're welcome...but did you read it after my 'P.S.'?

Yes, I did, thanks. I'm more concerned about ensuring I have the right sustificates on board, should I visit somewhere with more officials than publicans.

 

[Seven Spades]

A friend of mine went to the Azores and back and was boarded by customs on his return and was told in no uncertain terms that he should have been flying a Q flag.

 

[zoidberg]

A friend of mine went to the Azores and back and was boarded by customs on his return and was told in no uncertain terms that he should have been flying a Q flag.

Chichester was boarded by Customs wazzocks ( the West Country term for pillocks ) at the end of his circumnavigation.