Bayliner Importation - EC (EU)Red Tape

[Guest]

Has anyone encountered this little dilemma. For what-ever reason/s (protectionism most likely) all new
American powerboats imported into Europe/UK are apparently required to have an EC (EU) certification plate fitted by the manufacturer in order to facilitate registration.

Therefore, should a buyer purchase a new Bayliner from an authorised dealer in Europe/UK (retail price) the boat will no doubt have this certification.

What happens though, if a buyer chooses to privately import a new Bayliner sourced in the U.S.A., perhaps using the services of an agency such as American Wholesale Boats, in order to make a reasonable saving over European/UK Bayliner dealer prices?

Such boats won't have the supposedly required EC (EU) certification plates. Can such buyers still register these boats and if not, why not? Isn't it a breach of their rights as private buyers/importers to source their boats as they wish rather than be dictated to by bureaucracy?

 

[Guest]

I'm only wondering if that plate is for the hated BSS Certificate. Can't see how it can affect registration as long as you have the Builder's Certificate as far as I'm aware thats all you need for registration. The BSS can be obtained after a BSS Inspector has done his worst.

 

[Guest]

I'll leave others to debate the rights or otherwise of this but all boats used in the EU and built since 16 June 1998 must comply with the Recreational Craft Directive and carry a 'CE' mark and hull identification number (HIN) accordingly. Rather than carry on explaining what is a complex subject, check out http://www.ybw.com/mbm/buysafe/bs_n_7.html as a starting point.

The sting in the tail is that all secondhand craft residing outside the EU on 16 June 1998 should also comply with the RCD if subsequently imported, in most cases a process that would, at best, swallow any savings made from buying in America and could at worst leave you with egg on your face.

Even this is woolly; if your boat was built in the EU, no-one is likely to be too worried about this rule. If it was built elsewhere (eg Taiwan or America for example), then it will always help having an invoice or two pre- June 98 to prove it was around in holy waters.

How is this enforced as far as a would-be importer is concerned? Not well...you won't find a Trading Standards officer stood on the quay as your Bayliner-carrying container ship docks. However, you will be breaking the law and you might come unstuck when it becomes time to sell, especially as brokers in particular, and the boat-buying public at large, are becoming more aware of this legislation.

For some pointers on buying overseas, check out http://www.ybw.com/mbm/buysafe/bs_u_8.html.

For a more detailed rundown on the RCD, there is an article on the subject in MBM Jul 98 p76. You can order from our Copyshop service. Tel: 01202 440832.

 

[Guest]

Kim is right.

Without the proper CE plate and certification, no-one will buy a used boat now - certainly not a broker or dealer - you also could be arrested!

Go to a dealer and buy a CE plated boat - i know it is appealing to save a couple of pounds by buying in the US - but remember to add VAT and Import duty to the price (YES even secondhand) shipping (1500-3000 depending on the boat and where it is - oh yeh - and if it's a wreck how you gonna take it back ??

Save yourself the aggro - buy it here.