An urgent situation has arisen in Kos and soon will be required all over Greece in reference to Polish Flagged Yachts, reports Roditis Yachting Agency.

Published 9 months ago

Michalis Roditis of Roditis Yachting Agency, Greece, told Noonsite:

“We have an urgent situation in Kos and soon all over Greece in reference to Polish Flag Yachts .

“Greek Customs requires that every yacht which is entering in Greek Waters under Polish Flag should refer to Customs in order to prove its VAT Status.

“In the event that the yacht is No-VAT Paid – then it will be handled as Non-EU and will be issued a 30 days Transit Log (within this year).

“This issue has occurred because Poland does not follow EU directives concerning yacht registration and especially VAT Matters.”

Many Italian and Spanish yacht owners have changed their boat to a Polish flag as there is no requirement for an annual inspection and all rules are left to the discretion of the Skipper. It is also quick and easy to do online. You do not have to be a resident or citizen of Poland, or even the EU, to register under Polish flag. Boat owners of any nationality can register their yacht under 24 meters in Poland and fly the Polish flag.

Polish authorities do not ask for proof of VAT-paid during registration.

Note that currently Greek Customs have not confirmed what happens if the owner/skipper of the Polish-flagged yacht is non-EU. Under normal Greek Rules [see Greek Clearance for details] a yacht classed as non-EU with a non-EU skipper would be given an 18 month Transit Log. However, in this instance, the authorities see just the flag and not the user. It is hoped this will be clarified soon.