VAT Imports

[Talbot]

Just idly running through the VAT rates (having just completed this quarters VAT return) when I noticed that Switzerland (a member of the EU) has a VAT rate of 7.5%.

I wonder if I can import a boat into the EU through switzerland? /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[gfbalduc]

Unfortunately, Switzerland is not a member of the EU, although they enjoy EU-like relationships with most EU Countries!

 

[Talbot]

yes further research showed this, but the initial website I looked at seemed to imply thatswitzerland had joined the EU, and I had lost count of the new joiners!

 

[stevebirch2002]

If you try and send anything to Switzerland via courier you will see the difference in paperwork!

 

[Oliveoyl]

I think Luxembourg has the lowest VAT rate in the EU. They also have a Navy (go figure), and lotsa pleasure boats with LU flag. Import to Luxembourg!

 

[Sea Devil]

I think Brussels has tried to 'harmonise' VAT rates.

TheAzores once had really low rates as did Greece once but when I was doing some checking there was a EU directive about it always having to be within a few 'points' of the others.. I think France may be the amongst the highest at 19.6% Not sure anywhere is lower than Spain 16% and Cyprus 15% - highest of all is Sweden at 25% --- looks like the UK is pretty much in the middle and it has to be a lot of money to make it worth all the effort!

Michael

 

[Talbot]

Cyprus and Luxemborg at the moment on 15%

EU Member State VAT
Austria 20%
Belgium 21%
Cyprus 15%
Czech Republic 19%
Denmark 25%
Estonia 18%
Finland 22%
France 19.6%
Germany 16%
Greece 19%
Hungary 20%
Ireland 21%
Italy 20%
Latvia 18%
Lithuania 18%
Luxembourg 15%
Malta 18%
Netherlands 19%
Poland 22%
Portugal 21%
Slovak Republic 19%
Slovenia 20%
Spain 16%
Sweden 25%
United Kingdom 17.5%

 

[Bejasus]

Azores also at 15%, but apparently very accomodating with their valuations, based upon the bill of sale( /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif)

 

[thefatlady]

My last-but-one boat was built in Britain, bought in the Channel Islands, owned by a Dutchman, kept in France and VAT paid in Spain.
A truly European boat.

 

[Melody]

Greek VAT is not 19% on everything. For example, on yacht charters (and yachts themselves I think) it is currently 4.5%, on some other items it is 9%, and it is also less than 19% on some of the islands.

If you buy from a chandlery in the Cyclades you'll pay less VAT than in the Saronic for instance.