Import duty UK - Holland.

ST840

ST840

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Hi, can anybody help with this question?
I did a deal on my boat yesterday, the buyer is from Holland and he called back this morning asking wether or not he has to pay import duty on the boat if he takes it from the UK back to Holland. I know we have to pay VAT if importing from the EU, but does it work the same the other way?
Thanks
 
Yes.

When coming into EU it is (Paid price (documented) for boat + transport if any) * VAT (Holland 21% ?)

So if you sold your boat for 30 money on paper that would be the basis. If the price is realistic is up to the customs but boat prices vary with equipment and particularly if sold with engine (suspected to be) in need of repair.
 
I suspect that it’s vat paid status was determined by location on the date we left the EU, so if it was here then it probably lost that status in the EU and vat will be payable. Only my assumption based upon what I have casually read so someone more knowledgable might be able to confirm or contradict
 
So, my boat was originally sold in France new, I have the purchase order which shows local VAT was paid at time of sale. Will this have any relevance?
And, I bought the boat when we were still in the EU.
 
Carefully thinking I'd say that if the original invoice is presented to an authority it would be accepted. Why not?
The receipt for the recent deal between you can stay in a drawer somewhere.

I'd even pretend everything OK and just enter Holland or any other EU country without talking to customs.
 
ST840 said:
So, my boat was originally sold in France new, I have the purchase order which shows local VAT was paid at time of sale. Will this have any relevance?
And, I bought the boat when we were still in the EU.
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Largely, no. It lost EU VAT status if it was in the UK on 31/12/20. So if an EU buyer purchases it in the UK they will need to pay VAT (again) to import to the EU. (NB. There is also separate “import duties” for some products, but I don’t believe that would apply here).
Have you personally had the boat in the EU within the last 3 years? You may be able to take back to the EU and claim RGR, then sell once back in the EU? This could avoid the VAT liability.
PS. ChromeDome’s suggestion of tax evasion may not appeal to the purchaser.
 
it is important to remember that VAT is a tax in a transaction, NOT on the asset involved (except that the asset has to be VATable as boats are). It is irrelevant what happened previously or where and when VAT was paid, moving from one VAT area (UK) to another (EU) is a transaction subject to VAT on entry. A boat can have VAT paid on it more than once in its life if it moves in and out of different VAT areas.
 
ST840 said:
It would appear not. He drove all the way from Rotterdam, did a verbal deal, then rang this morning with his concerns!!
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The guys a plonker . U.K. is a third party state like the rest of the world .As per Tranona if the Dutch guy wants to import anything be it a boat or what ever it’s falls under the full force of EU vat or otherwise tax law .

What was he thinking nipping over to the U.K. ?

Will it sail under its own bottom to some gawd forsaken anonymous canal in the middle of now where in Holland and blend in ?
 
Portofino said:
Will it sail under its own bottom to some gawd forsaken anonymous canal in the middle of now where in Holland and blend in ?
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He is/was planning on taking it back by sea. Southampton to Dover, then Dover to Calais. Then along the coast to The Netherlands.
 
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