Importing within the EU

matt78

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5 May 2005
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Hi Everybody,

I'm thinking of importing a boat within the EU.

Importing a boat within the EU, would I only have to pay import VAT and no Customs duty as the UK is inside the EU.

For Eg.

A Boat in italy worth £66000 transported to here the UK would I would pay £11550 VAT when it reaches the ports of the UK. Using the current UK VAT rate.

Would there be any other charges on top.

Thankyou for any advice.

Matthew
 

gianenrico

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If the boat You buy in Italy is a used one, the VAT is already paid; if You import a new boat,thas is bought in Italy and immediatly exported, VAT can be paid in UK at UK rate (in Italy is 20%); I don't think VAT offices would allow You to actually sail off with your boat without VAT paid.
Cheers
Gianenrico
 

AngusMcDoon

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20 Oct 2004
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My son imported a used boat from Sweden, where the VAT had already been paid, so no more VAT to pay upon import.

Make sure you obtain the original purchase invoice when you buy the boat showing that VAT has been paid. It must be the original, a copy won't do.

When the boat is moved from Italy to the UK, the original purchase invoice must travel with the boat, either by road or by sea. Then if you are stopped by customs at any point on the journey, you are safe.

When my son's boat came by ferry, customs were not interested as the ferry started in a EU country (Sweden) and ended in an EU country (UK). It was waved straight through.
 

rogerbowen

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I sugest you go to the RYA site...
web page
and join, it's well worth it! The information and expertice they offer is invaluable! When you have joined click on 'Buying abroad'
/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif Happy sailing!
 
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