Importing a boat from the USA

[graham440]

If we purchase a 1977 British built Camper & Nicholson yacht in the USA will we have to pay VAT and import duty when we bring it back to the UK and at what rate. Also what role will the RCD directive play in this and are there any other pitfalls we should consider?

 

[Whitelighter]

Yes, you will pay VAT at 17.5% plus import tax at 1.9% and you will have to have it modified to conform with the rigures of the RCD compliance.

VAT can be reduced by paying 50% of the price for the boat, and 50% as 'services', not that I would ever condone this of course...

 

[PIGLETSDREAM]

Why will he have to pay to have it conform to RCD. If he bought it in this country it will not conform to RCD and does not have to comply, so why on an import?

 

[temptress]

...because it is an import

 

[Whitelighter]

Because the RCD stipulates that all boats either sold new or first brought into service within the EU after 1998 must be RCD compliant.

I didn't make the rules by the way...

 

[PIGLETSDREAM]

Either a great way to make money for someone, or a sure fire way of stopping the movement of seconhand boats.

 

[Lizzie_B]

Actually depends on what size C&N yacht it is. 39 feet and over are exempt import duty although still have to pay VAT.

Also important to know how much paperwork there is for boat's prior history, espescially when and how it got to the USA.
EG if in some Euro Caribean port until relatively recently (as actually some boats for sale in US are) then may be exempt RCD and have VAT paid status.

Tis always worth shopping around for lowest VAT rates for port of arrival. Also worth bearing in mind that UK customs charge VAT on the whole of the 'Landed Value' which includes any shipping costs and port duties whereas some EU ports will do it on value on Bill of Sale.
Perhaps Small boat champ can advise on VAT rates and attitudes of some of the newly joined Eastern European states.

RCD is not always as onerous as is sometimes made out but may be worth checking out what is happening with new nonsensical engine tests requirements. Pretty sure they are bound to be modified.
Our boat is remaining in USA at present as so much cheaper over there for berthing etc. We save far more than the cost of the flights.

 

[Harveydog27]

Does the RCD apply to Power boats as well? - what if the boat was an established make in the UK, such as 'Bayliner'?

 

[smee]

[ QUOTE ]
EG if in some Euro Caribean port until relatively recently (as actually some boats for sale in US are) then may be exempt RCD and have VAT paid status.


[/ QUOTE ]
It will ony continue to have VAT paid status is same owner returns it to Europe. Sold outside EU, means new owners pays VAT on its return.

RCD applies to all boats... even Bayliners.

 

[Bejasus]

According to CE Proof, the confusion over the engine test requirements may make these impossible to enforce. Main stumbling block is that because of wet exhausts, engines will be required to be removed from vessels and sent to a lab for emission testing, also the fact that most older vessels, with Ford Lehmanns, Perkins etc cannot be made to comply tyo the latest emission standards. Can you imagine all these vessels having to be re-engined, and the costs involved. Nightmare scenario.