Life after Brexit. Visiting EU by boat restrictions. Advice needed.

[AlexKT7]

Hello everyone, we are planning to move our UK registered boat to Med this summer and keep it there for some time. Our understanding is that the boat can stay in the EU for 18 months before it will be subjected to EU VAT/import taxes, etc. So the only way to avoid Brexit tax is to leave the EU after 18 months and then return? For the argument's sake, if we were to check out (i.e. Spanish immigration), sail 12nm ( Territorial waters - Wikipedia ) out and then come back to check-in on the same day: would this classify as a start of the fresh 18-month visit? thanks

 

[RupertW]

Hello everyone, we are planning to move our UK registered boat to Med this summer and keep it there for some time. Our understanding is that the boat can stay in the EU for 18 months before it will be subjected to EU VAT/import taxes, etc. So the only way to avoid Brexit tax is to leave the EU after 18 months and then return? For the argument's sake, if we were to check out (i.e. Spanish immigration), sail 12nm ( Territorial waters - Wikipedia ) out and then come back to check-in on the same day: would this classify as a start of the fresh 18-month visit? thanks

In theory I think so, but the proof of it is usually a marina receipt in Croatia, Montenegro, Turkey or Morocco depending on which part of the Med you are cruising in. And that could make a fun trip if pre-planned.

 

[nortada]

Hello everyone, we are planning to move our UK registered boat to Med this summer and keep it there for some time. Our understanding is that the boat can stay in the EU for 18 months before it will be subjected to EU VAT/import taxes, etc. So the only way to avoid Brexit tax is to leave the EU after 18 months and then return? For the argument's sake, if we were to check out (i.e. Spanish immigration), sail 12nm ( Territorial waters - Wikipedia ) out and then come back to check-in on the same day: would this classify as a start of the fresh 18-month visit? thanks

Agree all you say but rather than just sail out of EU Waters, why not have a trip to Morocco

Tangier ot Smir come to mind. Then there is no doubt that you left the EU and the next 18 months starts then.

 

[lustyd]

I'm going to go with no, because your boat would then be in the EU every day, and even if it was acceptable to have a day trip you'd have no proof.

If you intend to keep a boat there it's probably better to buy one there, otherwise after three years it will be VAT unpaid everywhere so you'll lose the VAT amount regardless unless you return to the UK. I'm assuming by UK registered you mean UK based and VAT deemed paid in UK. Registration shouldn't make a difference to import status.

 

[Baggywrinkle]

Hello everyone, we are planning to move our UK registered boat to Med this summer and keep it there for some time. Our understanding is that the boat can stay in the EU for 18 months before it will be subjected to EU VAT/import taxes, etc. So the only way to avoid Brexit tax is to leave the EU after 18 months and then return? For the argument's sake, if we were to check out (i.e. Spanish immigration), sail 12nm ( Territorial waters - Wikipedia ) out and then come back to check-in on the same day: would this classify as a start of the fresh 18-month visit? thanks

Exactly that used to work for my VAT unpaid boat in Croatia - but Croatia isn't Spain.

There is no specification on how long you have to leave to reset the clock, and a GPS track showing you went 12 Nm offshore should suffice as evidence of having "left".

When you return, and check in again, your last destination can be entered as "open sea", so you don't need passport stamps or receipts from outside the EU.

Best advice is to ask the Spanish authorities what they expect, you may well be pleasantly surprised. There are lots of owners in the same "boat" as you.

 

[AlexKT7]

I'm going to go with no, because your boat would then be in the EU every day, and even if it was acceptable to have a day trip you'd have no proof.

AIS log? I could use MarineTraffic: Global Ship Tracking Intelligence | AIS Marine Traffic as an independent source?

after three years it will be VAT unpaid everywhere so you'll lose the VAT amount regardless unless you return to the UK

Why would UK registered boat with UK VAT paid lose the VAT status? My understanding is that for the UK it does not matter if I don't return for 5-7 years (the plan is Med first and then further). With EU VAT/Import taxes, I just have to observe 18 months' requirement. I can leave Spain (12nm example) and return the following day, making paperwork easier (i.e. different dates for immigration).

 

[prv]

Why would UK registered boat with UK VAT paid lose the VAT status?

When you bring it back you'll be importing it, and by default VAT is due on import regardless of prior history.

The exception is "returned goods relief", to allow you to bring back something that you took out with you, but there's a time limit on how long it can be away. Apparently in the past HMRC tended not to enforce the limit on boats, but announced last year that they're going to start doing so.

Pete

 

[AlexKT7]

The exception is "returned goods relief", to allow you to bring back something that you took out with you, but there's a time limit on how long it can be away. Apparently in the past HMRC tended not to enforce the limit on boats, but announced last year that they're going to start doing so.

found some info
Get your boat back to the UK now to avoid post-Brexit import duty, say RYA and British Marine - Sailing Today
EU returned goods relief and temporary admission | Current Affairs | Knowledge & Advice | RYA - Royal Yachting Association

to summarise:

-If I leave the UK I must return within 3 years to avoid the UK import scenario
- for the EU, I can visit for upto 18 months (under EU Temporary Admission )

thanks to everyone

 

[syvictoria]

found some info
Get your boat back to the UK now to avoid post-Brexit import duty, say RYA and British Marine - Sailing Today
EU returned goods relief and temporary admission | Current Affairs | Knowledge & Advice | RYA - Royal Yachting Association

to summarise:

-If I leave the UK I must return within 3 years to avoid the UK import scenario
- for the EU, I can visit for upto 18 months (under EU Temporary Admission )

thanks to everyone

Things have moved on a little with regards to RGR and exceptional circumstances. Have you seen these two threads?:

RGR and returning after 3 years - Exceptional Circumstances

HMRC _ Clarity at last on RGR and Special Circumstances

(Edited to correct 2nd link.)

 

[Graham376]

- for the EU, I can visit for up to 18 months (under EU Temporary Admission )

Not quite correct, the boat can visit for 18 months but not you.

 

[ithet]

I think my boats OK to go, I have one of these....

 

[[178529]]

I think when I move my boat to my house in France in a couple of years I'll do it in stages. I'll import it into Ireland first and pay vat on it there , applying for Irish sail numbers, and keep it near my office in either Dublin or arklow for a year or two.

 

[syvictoria]

I think when I move my boat to my house in France in a couple of years I'll do it in stages. I'll import it into Ireland first and pay vat on it there , applying for Irish sail numbers, and keep it near my office in either Dublin or arklow for a year or two.

If you're planning for a few years in the future, you might be lucky and we might have rejoined the EU by then!!!

 

[cherod]

Agree all you say but rather than just sail out of EU Waters, why not have a trip to Morocco

Tangier ot Smir come to mind. Then there is no doubt that you left the EU and the next 18 months starts then.

That is the option which i think about , what are your experiences of morroco or N Africa