Importing a boat without the necessary CE mark?

Ian Laval seems to have encountered his problem because he wanted to sell his boat within the EC and any prudent purchaser/surveyor would know that the RCD mark is required for the sale to be legal. I assume that he decided to obtain a classification in order to make that sale.

My question focuses on whether or not anyone with an imported boat (not looking to sell) has been asked to demonstrate compliance with the RCD by any official and if so when, where and in what circumstances.

I own a boat in California which I would like to bring to The Med for a couple of years before returning back to The Pacific. As a Brit I will be liable to pay VAT on her but I really object to splashing out on another £6k-£8k so that someone can tell me she is fit to do what she has been doing in fine style for the last 10 years.

Paul
 
CE / RCD etc. is dependent on year of manufacture as well ... I would like to bring in a boat that is some years old and is exempt due to age .....

Can't remember exact date when it becomes required ... sure someone else will !!
 
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, Nigel, but it's the date the boat's put in use in the EEC that counts - unless she was built before 1950 and can be called a historic craft, or is an replica of one:

From www.steelboats.com:

WHICH BOATS NEED TO COMPLY ?

All recreational craft of between 2.5m and 24m which have been put on the market or into
service in the European Community since 16th June 1998 and that are not exempt.

RCD: Are there exemptions from RCD compliance ?

The main exempt craft include:

* Craft intended solely for racing;
* Canoes, kayaks, gondolas, pedalos, sailboards, hovercraft & hydrofoils;
* Original, and individual replicas of historical craft designed before 1950
and built predominantly from original materials;
* Craft built for own use, provided they are not sunsequently placed on the
Community market during a period of five years;
* Craft specifically intended to be crewed & to carry passengers for commercial purposes;
 
Paul,

Answering the specific question you are asking - I am aware of 3 boats personally imported without CE and no one seems to have cared. Given that they arrive all the time and that VAT and duty are duly paid..........

Equally many people fit electronics that aren't CE marked and few, if any, have gone to jail etc

You would however appear to be breaking a law - and that cannot be condoned of course..............

Finally you could always get it a Cat E for only a very small sum - which would make you legal. There isn't a legal offence of using a craft in conditions that it isn't rated for.

Have a good trip.
 
The one issue that really matters is that if buyers/brokers are aware of CE requirements, it might make the boat and equipment difficult to sell on?


When I wanted to use my boat on the Thames, about 5 years ago, I had to go the the original dealer for a CE certificate in order to obtain a licence (the Thames authorities required the CE certification for boats which fell into the trap), which at the time the dealer provided free of charge, but now I understand they charge for as part of purchase package - I bet it's negotiable though.
 
[ QUOTE ]
* Original, and individual replicas of historical craft designed before 1950
and built predominantly from original materials;


[/ QUOTE ] I can't help feeling that this was put in by the French who love their traditional craft. Not complaining too much - we all like to protect our own areas of interest and the French are very good at lobbying for theirs!
 
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