VAT on a used boat

[jfm]

Sorry Andrew. I've cleared out my inbox now. (Annoyingly, this forum doesn't tell you when your inbox is full).

 

[IDAMAY]

Martyn

The only cases I have ever heard of, and these were all second or third hand, seem to relate to southern Europe. I have cruised extensively in the English Channel between the Netherlands and Brittany. I have been stopped by Dutch, French and Belgium customs for document checks. I have been backwards and forwards in and out of the EU (Channel Islands) many many times. I have done this in a variety of boats from an old sub £10K Bayliner up to Brand spanking new 40 odd foot flybridge boats. All they have ever been interested in is the registration document (SSR or Pt 1) and passports for all on board.

I have never ever been asked for proof of VAT payment.

The only time the subject ever came up was when my Bayliner broke down in Guernsey and I had it shipped back as deck cargo. Customs at Weymouth thought I might be importing it from Guernsey, and started talking VAT. When I explained the story and showed them my SSR paperwork they were more than happy and let me on my way. I did not have any proof of VAT payment on that boat.

I would certainly not worry about proof of VAT on a used boat, especially one from the 90's

I am almost with you on this one Neale. We have also cruised extensively in Channel and Scandinavian waters over the last 25 years. Naturally we have been boarded quite a few times over the years (but rather less recently) and have usually only been asked for Ship's papers and crew passports. We were once asked for proof of VAT status by Dutch Customs in the lock at Vlissingen. We had the original invoice for the boat which we had purchased second hand, showing VAT paid. No problem but what if we had been unable to produce.................?

Richard.