Importing from USA

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All_at_Sea

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With the dollar the way it is it's a great time to buy in the USA and import, but what about the CE regs in Europe now. Has anyone done this recently. I propose to buy a European boat and ship it back so possibly VAT and import duty may be payable but what is the cost of this CE thing, and what does it involve?
 
Presume you mean the RCD. Its very difficult and expensive to get a complience cert for a single boat, lots of horror stories over the last few years. If I was cinical I would suggest that the RCD is designed as protectionist legislation to stop inports of high quality and much cheaper boats into the EU, but of course they would never do that. If you want to import to the EU look out for a boat that has either come from the EU in the first place or a modle designed for import so that it already has an RCD plate. Will save a great deal of trouble and expense. If you are buying second hand from a private EU citizen and can do the deal under the jusastiction of one of the EU states you might not have to pay VAT even though the boat is out of the EU. I think what counts is where the boat is registered and slold not where it actually is. The RYA can offer good advice on both purchase and RCD (they are a certifying agency) but youmight need to be a member to get the best info.
 
If the boat has been used in the EU/EAA (including French Caribean islands) before 16 June 1998 it is exempt from the requirements of the RCD. It will be liable for VAT and it is best to research the various states and see which one has the best VAT rate. Britain is one of the highest so don't import direct to the UK unless you have to.UK import duty (seperate from VAT) is only charged on boats below 39 feet- don't ask me why!!!!
You also need to research the various laws in the US state you wish to buy in as the rules, particularly with regard to state taxes can vary significantly.

A lot of horror stories are circulated about the RCD. The important thing is to do your research before buying. The RYA are very helpful. As a notifying body they can do the certification, or you can self certify the majority of aspects yourself up to Cat B. the main exception is the stability test. The RYA hold a data base of boats, and if you get one that is on the database that can cut down on the work.
The main thing is to realise that this is not a quick fix, but a worthwhile long term project.
If you PM me I can email you a copy of the current regulations if your boat has not been in used in the EU/EEA before the 16/6/98. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
 
Just register under US flag, say Delaware, sail or ship it here, pay EU VAT and may be duty if any and don't bother about RCD.
 
If you're going to ignore the law and act illegally as you suggest, - and I agree- the chances of meeting anyone to enforce it are absolutly minimal, why bother to US register it. Just SSR it online - keeps life simpler. Also best pay the VAT in Horta on the way across. They are less inquisitive and cheaper than the UK (or why pay VAT at all)? /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
 
I am talking about US registration based on my PERSONAL experience.
Not being US citizen I registered my boat under US flag (Delaware) USD 250 for 3 years and just paid VAT here on Cyprus upon arrival - because boat going to stay in EU for more than 12 months. Read the law.
 
I would council against ignoring the RCD. (a) there are big fines (b) you would find it impossible to sell on , unless you find another mug like your self
 
re 'read the law'
the fact that you have the boat registered in the state of Delaware is irrelevant in determiniing your liability for RCD compliance.
The fact that you 'put the vessel into service' within the EEA will make you liable for RCD compliance, and the fact that you have paid VAT on her can also be used to prove that you have imported her.

You will probably be alright as the chances of you being visited by an enforcement officer are slim, but you are not legal.
If you are not a US citizen or resident, you may also find that depending on the type of usage you make of the boat, and your own citizenship and residency status, you may be required to register her in an appropriate EU state.
By the way.. did you by her in Delaware..or just register her there. That also makes a difference.
 
From very very recent experience, compliance with the RCD directive and certification is very easy and not very expensive.

Obviously the length of boat you are importing is directly relevent to your question. Give more details on the type style and age of boat you are considering importing from the US, and I will happily give more advice based on experience.

I suspect that some forum members give their answers based on rumours, not from experience, and that can result in some wonderful opportunities being missed.
 
actually, I have helped bring three boats over from the USA so I am speaking from personal experience.

If you read my posts you would see that I am agreeing with you - but it does need proper research (especially at the USA end where different states have different laws regarding boat purchase and people have missed out on the opportunity of further savings (eg 8% of purchase price of boat in FL if you fail to claim your exemptions correctly through lack of research)
As the original post is about buying a 'european' boat in the states the RCD may not even be an issue.
I would agree wholeheartedly that there is much rumour and scare mongering about the RCD-- some of it seems in the past to have been whipped up by companies who in the early days made money out of 'getting your boat through the RCD'.
 
I would be very interested in hearing about your experience with RCD. Please feel free to PM me and I will let you have my Email address.

Paul
 
Of course all those old second hand boats that miracuously are still floating without an RCD, it does seem to be just another means to steal your hard earned cash. Mine included and my previous one and about a third of the boats in my marina. So the morale here is find a boat before the due date, get it surveyed, if you like the result, sail her home or chuck it on a transporter to the VAT destination of your choice.
 
FYI - we are importing a Swan 44 from the states (we are sitting in Fort Lauderdale awaiting the ship - bloody things late)

Re RCD so long as she was launched i.e hit the water (in the EU) prior the deadline we are exempt. She did, we are, job done. Suspect the same applies to yours - unlikely she was built and didn't touch the water on this side before export.

Yours aye
JackIron
 
Just another snippet to take note of it's relevant to you - don't forget the mains electrics will be 120volts (unless it's dead posh and has both 120 and 240 of course) and there's either the cost of having gear changed or having a transformer in Europe. Then of course if you come to sell it a buyer might see it as a down-side if it isn't 240.

That's my situation and it's a consideration but didn't put me off.

Good luck with it.
 
Hello Lizzie_B
do you mind if i ask how that works for you?
keeping one in the states, is there a limit to how long you can stay on board her without hitting immigration issues? or are they happy for you to just come and go?
I too am looking into buying over there, but i intend to be a liveaboard cruiser and not really static in a US marina. i do not intend to settle there, but just take a long slow look at the world on my way back.i have read some horror stories (rumor's) about liveaboard Brits in the US and having lots of trouble with officaldom.
 
Surely only a problem if 120 volt equipment involved, e.g., battery charger. The wiring should be quite safe as it would be designed to take double the current.
 
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