VAT EXPORT/IMPORT FROM GIBRALTAR

[Flyer295]

I am in the process of buying a boat that was built in 2000 outside of the EU although at the moment is on a hard in Greece, and is stated as tax not included, therfore liable for VAT payment. I am a British citizen but if I register it in Gibraltar where there is no VAT what would happen if I sail to EU countries and most important of all into the UK. Are the temporary Importation rules applicable of 18 month before having to re-export it ?

Bob

 

[Graham376]

If sailing it to EU countries, it will have 18 months TA after which it has to leave for a short while to reset the clock. If you take it to UK and are resident, VAT due plus it has to meet the RCD UK equivalent - can't remember the name.

Gib's status is due to change in the near future, it will most likely be in Schengen area so 90/180 for you personally and possibly no longer a bolt hole to reset TA.

 

[Stingo]

A vague memory thinks that boat registration in Gib is mega expensive, in the order of several thousand quid per year.

I'm far too lazy to ask Google for confirmation of this, but you might want to check it out.

 

[Tranona]

No need to register in Gibraltar. If you are UK resident then you can register on the SSR (although Part1 would be a better if more costly). You can use it in the EU under temporary admission although your movements will be governed by Schengen rules.

If you are resident in the UK then VAT will be payable on its agreed value on entry. However as already suggested thee boat will require certification for use in the UK. This may well be problematic or even technically impossible for a boat built outside the EU. You will need the services of a certifying body such as CE Proof to carry out a post construction assessment and it would be wise to get an opinion on the specific boat before committing to buy it if you intend importing it into the UK (similar would apply if importing for use into the EU). The certification rules are consumer rules for boats intended for sale and use and do not apply to "visiting" boats as your purchase will be in the EU.

 

[Stingo]

A vague memory thinks that boat registration in Gib is mega expensive, in the order of several thousand quid per year.

I'm far too lazy to ask Google for confirmation of this, but you might want to check it out.

Nothing wrong with my memory. The minimum annual fee is £2,000
Fees & Charges | Gibraltar Maritime Administration

 

[Graham376]

A Question regarding 18 months TA. Does the boat have to leave -the EU or, Schengen or, the Customs Union? From what I've read, Gib will most likely become part of Schengen BUT, I've not heard anything about it joining the Customs Union or of course the EU so, will it still be able to be used to re-set the 18 months clock?

 

[Tranona]

Pretty sure it is the Customs Union as the rules for both VAT and certification are part of the single market, not Schengen.