News

Both the UK and the EU continue to impose a 25% customs tariff on the import of US-origin yachts and boats into the EU and the UK.

The operators of the Corinth Canal in Greece have advised that the canal will remain closed to marine traffic until the end of the summer 2021 season with a probable extension. Studies and restoration works are under way following a landslide in January this year.

Following the complaint to the European Union (EU) by the Cruising Association (CA) on the VAT Status of UK yachts in Greece after returning from outside EU Waters , the latest announcement received from the Greek Customs authority acknowledges the rights of UK yachts to return to Greek Waters and retain their EU VAT Status.

HMRC has issued Excise Notice 554 which contains details about fuel used in private pleasure craft.

The EU has confirmed to the Cruising Association (CA) that days spent in an EU country where you have a visa/residence permit granted by that country do not count as days spent in the Schengen zone in calculating either the 90 days or the 180 days in the Schengen 90/180 calculation.

The Greek tax authority, the AADE, has agreed: "UK-flagged vessels moored or sailing in EU waters before the Transition Period ended (1.1.2021), regardless of where the taxes have been paid, retain their EU status for as long as they remain in [those waters]."

In a letter published in The Times newspaper today, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Patron of the Cruising Association (CA), highlights the devastating effect of HMRC's demands for VAT on boats returning to the UK.