Customs question

[Jacket]

If I sail a British yacht with British crew from a non EU country into an EU country, do I need to get in touch with their customs authorities? I guess I probably do. In which case a second question. I have a small boat, and the first port with customs facilities isn't the first harbour I get to. If I was forced into a harbour without custom facilities due to bad weather before I got to the port with customs facilities would this cause major problems? Or would I just be able to call them up and clear things that way?

I've just read my message. Not the clearest english ever, but I hope you get the idea. Cheers for any comments.

 

[VMALLOWS]

I am sure that technically you DO have to report. We (in England) still have to report if we return directly from the (British, but not UK) Channel Islands! Of course we come back via France to pick up some wine en-route anyway.
I'm sure the (non EU) country you have come from will make a difference to how interested the authorities are.

I am also certain that international maritime law allows you to enter any haven (Harbour) if necessary for the safety of the vessel. Whether you can go ashore is another matter. Perhaps the real lawyers will comment?

 

[Lynette]

I'm sure this is correct. You are obliged to use an 'entry port' (i.e. a port with a regular customs post) on your first entry to any new country - the whole of the EC counts as a single country for this purpose. (Remember that some islands like the Channel Islands, Gibraltar, Canaries are not part of the EC and must be treated like a new country for this purpose).

If you are obliged to enter another port first, through stress of weather or other reason, you put yourself at the mercy of the local authorities as to what they choose to do. In some countries this could mean a special visit from Customs, at a price to match!

 

[johnsomerhausen]

If you are foirced by circumstances (stress of weather, injured crew member or similar causes) to enter a harbor or anchorage that is not a port of entry, the correct behaviour is to fly the "blue Peter" (letter P of the Internationall Code of signals) in addition to the "Q" flag to indicate the fact. You then stand a betteer chance with any authority that questions you.
BTW, the Canary Islands are part of the EU, but don't have VAT which is the reason why youy have to clear with customs when entering another EU area, even Spain. And since the UK is not part of the Schengen agreement on the suppresion of border controls, you've got to clear with immigration when arriving from the UK.
john

 

[oldharry]

Make sure that you have documentary evidence of the VAT status of your boat - particularly when returning to EU waters - or you may find you have to pay VAT again regardless!

Even if you have all the right papers, a stroppy customs official can have a field day with red tape - if you give him the advantage by NOT having one of the necessary bits of paper.... well thats just ASKING for it, and will cost you the proverbial arm and a leg.

There is a world of difference between the customs officials who deal with 'tourists' - who after all are bringing money and jobs to their country, and those dealing with the commercial side. Any international lorry driver has tales of being delayed not just hours but for days at customs posts at the whim of a bored or over zealous official.