(May 3, 2019) – There is much uncertainty for UK registered boats which are permanently berthed in European Union ports, in the event of a no-deal exit from the EU.

Published 5 years ago

By Val Ellis – May 3, 2019 

In the event of the United Kingdom leaving the European Union without a deal, the position of those U.K. registered boats which are berthed for extended periods of time in an EU country, is very unclear.

Even if a U.K. vessel has VAT paid status, whether they will be classed as ‘Union Goods’ and therefore not be subject to import tax, is not known.

Conversely, if, at a later date the vessel is returned to the U.K. will it be subject to tax there?

The U.K. HM Customs and Revenue office seems currently unable to answer these questions.

The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) has been pressing both HM Customs and the U.K. government for clarification on these issues.

Useful Links:

Brexit: RYA update on status of vessels lying in the EU27 at the time of Brexit in the event of ‘no deal’

Yachting Monthly: What could a no-deal Brexit mean for UK cruisers?

Noonsite has not independently verified this information.