Realistically, how much trouble will I actually be in?

[zzyyxx]

Yes, you are correct if the owner is EU resident. CI boats get temporary importation. Problem there is that some CI residents would prefer to keep the boat in France so may be subject to checks.

But that's why the French are supposedly antsy about this, they don't like having a tax haven on their doorstep (and who can blame them).

From that perspective all he has to do is prove he had the boat in the UK before and then the tax liability can be shown to be in Britain if there is one and the frogs will lose interest.

 

[Tranona]

But that's why the French are supposedly antsy about this, they don't like having a tax haven on their doorstep (and who can blame them).

From that perspective all he has to do is prove he had the boat in the UK before and then the tax liability can be shown to be in Britain if there is one and the frogs will lose interest.

Not sure why you raised it. The French are quite capable of identifying CI boat so don't generally bother UK boats.

 

[zzyyxx]

Not sure why you raised it. The French are quite capable of identifying CI boat so don't generally bother UK boats.

I raise it because it's the reason people think that there might be a question over VAT.