Immporting from overseas

[wl745]

thinking of bringing my 8 metre motor cruiser to the UK.Would there be any import duty or taxes to pay?Its now more than five years old.Shipped by container of course!!!

 

[Greg2]

I am guessing that VAT would be payable assuming it was originally supplied in Thailand. There have been posts on this subject previously so probably worth a search.

 

[BruceK]

Are you based in Thailand, been a resident there for more than 5 years and bringing back personal possessions? If so VAT does not apply but tax does though you can claim relief. Best to ask your shipping company or start here : https://www.gov.uk/moving-to-uk

 

[Tranona]

Two things you have to consider. First duty and VAT (which is payable on the value of the boat plus shipping costs) and second the boat has to comply with the RCD to get a Certificate of Conformity to be used legally in the EU (and EEA). If the boat was not built in the EEA and already has a CE mark then it is unlikely to be economic to import it. Shipping, taxes and compliance on an 8m boat would make it a very expensive exercise. If you want a boat in the UK (or EU) there is an enormous choice so importing yourself is probably not worth it.

 

[superheat6k]

Are you based in Thailand, been a resident there for more than 5 years and bringing back personal possessions? If so VAT does not apply but tax does though you can claim relief. Best to ask your shipping company or start here : https://www.gov.uk/moving-to-uk

That's a VAT quirk I have not heard of, and certainly never seen mention of on these forums. I think you would have a tough time explaining that to any would be buyer that this satisfied the EU VAT paid rules after a subsequent sale.

Not saying you are wrong, but do you know where this is laid down in HMRCs VAT rules as applied to boats. I do appreciate Customs Notice 8 does not cover everything, such as how to pay VAT when due.

 

[Tranona]

That's a VAT quirk I have not heard of, and certainly never seen mention of on these forums. I think you would have a tough time explaining that to any would be buyer that this satisfied the EU VAT paid rules after a subsequent sale.

Not saying you are wrong, but do you know where this is laid down in HMRCs VAT rules as applied to boats. I do appreciate Customs Notice 8 does not cover everything, such as how to pay VAT when due.

Mentioned many times - if it is relevant! One of the very few reliefs (returned goods being the common one). It is clearly identified in VAT Notice No 8.

However the requirements are very restrictive and few people can comply. It only applies to individuals who have been resident elsewhere for a minimum of 12 months, but are taking up permanent residency in the EU. It applies to other assets that might be liable for VAT as well as boats. The boat must be owned for a minimum of 6 months before application and cannot be sold for 12 months after import without any VAT payment. No problem with proof that it was legit as HMRC will confirm that the boat has been imported using this relief. The full rules are in section 3.15 of the Notice.

So it may apply to the OP if he is resident in Thailand and is returning to take up residence in the UK, although it may still be uneconomic to ship a small 8m boat here.

 

[wl745]

Thanks all for advice!Looks like selling here is the way to go .