Taking parts out to boat in transit - import duty?

[KevinV]

I'm flying out to St. Vincent in a couple of weeks, carrying some spares for the boat I'm joining, probably about £1500's worth. I will be carrying a letter stating that I am carrying spares solely for the vessel I am joining.

Gut instinct says that spares for a GB flagged boat in transit are themselves effectively in transit, so no import duty should be due - can anyone confirm this?

I don't want to end up with a nasty shock at the start of my holiday!

 

[Tranona]

In principle yes - but it is St Lucia customs who will decide so maybe get your skipper if already there to sort it out before you leave.

 

[KevinV]

In principle yes - but it is St Lucia customs who will decide so maybe get your skipper if already there to sort it out before you leave.

For St Lucia I read St Vincent, but getting the skipper to prime them might be an idea. Previous experience in the Caribbean has been to make as little fuss as possible and that they then tend to agree it isn't worth the fuss, but that was a good while back.