Are we really as European as I think we are?

[Jimmy20V]

The question is this....

When I place an order for my little Etap 21i, will i be able to go and get her and just drive her back through the tunnel without any customs malarky? I am assuming this is correct providing that I pay the VAT in Belgium and have all the documents/receipts, but what i really want to know is: Will i have to stop and "declare" my purchase?

The only reason i want to know is that I begrudge paying £1950 + VAT for an agent to do exactly the same and slap a coat of Micron Ultra on her bottom! On what is essentially a £15k boat, that seems abit much!

Thanks

Jimmy

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[ccscott49]

As long as you have all the papers and receipts, there should be no problem. But you never know with HMC&E

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[LORDNELSON]

Suggest you write and ask Customs exactly what papers you need both for now and when you sell it in the future and try to get a written reply from them (don't put your telephone number on your letter).

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[ccscott49]

Why, do the swines tap your phone!! Just in case your a serial boat smuggler?

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[tcm]

I would say that you want to buyt he boat in Belgium for export and don't ppay vat, show passport and boat docs and say you have bought the boat and are exporting, then pay on arrival in UK. Then Gordy gets the money, not some belgian!

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[craigbalsillie]

can't you have the boat towed to international waters somewhere and deny all knowledge of having bought it in a "specific country" and then just keep the VAT.

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[Jimmy20V]

I think TCM is right! Through some wild and abandon free internet surfing I have just discovered that the standard rate of VAT in Belgium is 21%! Eeeek! I'd rather give my dosh to Gordy and Tones Xmas Party fund!

As to the International waters bit, errrrr, I think the label that says "Etap" and "Made In Belgium" might give it away, but its a lovely thought. All I need now is 2 euro to the quid and I'll be quids in.

Jimmy

PS If I say i'm exporting the boat, ie taking it out of the eurozone, and then decide not to, I pay the vat to the country i'm in at the time right? How long have i got?

 

[oilyrag]

visit this website for the answers to all your questions: http://www.hmce.gov.uk/forms/notices/ukyachts.htm

If you want more info from customs don't bother ringing their national enquiry helpline, call HM Customs office at Dover.

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[Neal]

I\'ve found Dover PTU as unhelpful....

as the Nat. Advice Line.

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[oilyrag]

Re: I\'ve found Dover PTU as unhelpful....

yeah - depends who you speak to. Ask to speak to a Senior Officer (EPU Imports). There are loads of different departments in any Customs house and getting hold of the right person is 95% of the battle. If you get someone who doesn't seem to appreciate what you're on about ask to speak to soemone else who will have a better understanding of your problem. When you do find someone who understands your enquiry they are normally very helpful. - Moral is don't give up!


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[LORDNELSON]

Probably; but what I had in mind was the normal tendency nowadays to give anonymous advice on the telephone and then deny it if a problem arises later.

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[ccscott49]

Sorry for pulling your leg, I did realise that, but couldn't resist it, it was a slow day yesterday.

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[vyv_cox]

I don't know whether the rules for boats are the same for motor vehicles. On the latter, if you buy abroad and immediately import it to UK it will be liable for import duty. If you keep it abroad for six months it is then not liable. I have had it confirmed that a vehicle I buy now can be imported into UK in Nov/Dec free of any duty.

As others have said, whereas there is plenty of information on the HMCE website about cars there is a lot less about boats. Suggest you telephone and keep trying. We got good service by phone on the vehicle question.

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