Importing a boat from EU

[Tranona]

I think if you have it more than 5 years it wouldn't make any difference, when I bought a boat last year there was no documentation to prove VAT was paid, but being a 1984 boat who would ever enquire unless it was a high value item. Being an "investigator' myself, social media checks are only usually done following the start of an investigation, they wouldn't normally trigger one. If I did buy one abroad in these circumstances I wouldn't be advertising it it on a social media. But, as you say, the likelihood of a relatively low value boat coming to their attention is virtually nil in Scotland, and probably the same in England away from the busy ports.

Have you actually bought a boat in the EU and imported it into the UK since 31/12/2020 without declaring it?

 

[nevis768]

Have you actually bought a boat in the EU and imported it into the UK since 31/12/2020 without declaring it?

No, and I wouldn't advise anybody to do so either, but I can see the chance of anybody ever noticing in a Scottish port/marina/mooring is nil. The same applies to the RCD, nil chance of anybody ever asking you if your boat complies. Superyachts etc excepted.

 

[Minerva]

No, and I wouldn't advise anybody to do so either, but I can see the chance of anybody ever noticing in a Scottish port/marina/mooring is nil. The same applies to the RCD, nil chance of anybody ever asking you if your boat complies. Superyachts etc excepted.

That’s broadly my thinking too. I’d expect that in a decade or so it’ll all be a non issue anyway.

 

[lustyd]

so it’ll all be a non issue anyway.

While that may be true, as Tranona said it will remain an offence

 

[mrming]

As mentioned already, the problem comes when you go to sell the boat. Put yourself in “buyer” mode. You’re probably not going to buy a boat that’s been illegally imported.

 

[nevis768]

As mentioned already, the problem comes when you go to sell the boat. Put yourself in “buyer” mode. You’re probably not going to buy a boat that’s been illegally imported.

I don't know how that would come to light. Nobody has ever asked me who I bought a boat from. But then I've never bought one for more than 20k. Lots of boats are simply advertised with no reference to VAT status if it's in the UK and has UK based owner. I've no idea if my Danish boat is VAT paid or not, and I never thought to ask.

 

[Graham376]

While that may be true, as Tranona said it will remain an offence

As well as a fine there's possible seizure of the boat.

 

[Tranona]

No, and I wouldn't advise anybody to do so either, but I can see the chance of anybody ever noticing in a Scottish port/marina/mooring is nil. The same applies to the RCD, nil chance of anybody ever asking you if your boat complies. Superyachts etc excepted.

There is nothing new about this issue. Post 1992 when VAT on imports came in many were caught out as importing boats from the US in particular was quite popular. Again post 1997 when the RCD came in imports from US stopped pretty quickly but a few again got caught with boats that could not meet the RCD.

On the other hand as border checks effectively disappeared because of free movement some took advantage, for example in Poole where I live I knew several boats that came from the CIs without paying VAT. One Bayliner wizzing across the channel looks just like another.

You are right, however with low value older boats nobody really cares about VAT/RCD as they disappear into thee scenery, but now there is a compulsory reporting system the chances of avoiding officialdom must be lower.