Importing a Classic into the UK from USA

chris grayer · 14-12-2011, 06:36 PM

Hi
Can anybody give me advice on the correct procedure and easiest way of importing a classic 1976 23 foot boat from the USA into the UK. Do CE rules apply to a boat 35 years old? The boat is legal & registered to myself as a resident here in the USA and we may be relocating back to the UK. The boat was purchased for $3,200.
Thanks
Chris

Tony Davis · 14-12-2011, 07:58 PM

I'd ask these guys, I'm told they are pretty good.... http://www.americansportsboats.com/

chris grayer · 14-12-2011, 09:13 PM

Thanks a lot - just Emailed them. Great to know such great advice is out there in this forum

pugracer285 · 14-12-2011, 11:15 PM

Hi Chris,

Yes it should need to be CE marked to use over here, technically your insurance could be invalid if there was an accident.

CE Proof are a good company to deal with. Hopefully shouldn't be too much to worry about, possibly changing the fuel lines if they aren't the right standard, a few stickers here and there, fire extinguishers, bilge pumps etc.

James

Cookee · 15-12-2011, 08:55 AM

Can't see how a 1976 boat would need CE marking? Sorry to disagree Pug but I think you're totally wrong! The RYA also do all of the CE stuff if that helps?

Tony Davis · 15-12-2011, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cookee

Can't see how a 1976 boat would need CE marking? Sorry to disagree Pug but I think you're totally wrong! The RYA also do all of the CE stuff if that helps?

Less thinking please Cookee!!!!

http://www3.hants.gov.uk/tradingstan...t-usedboat.htm

http://www.boatcompliance.com/sportsboats.php

CE Proof did the RCD on my range of boats, an excellent company but pricey for a one off, although they do offer that service.

pugracer285 · 15-12-2011, 01:13 PM

Yes it was built before the 1998 ruling but as it can't be proved that it was in use inside the EU before then it will unfortunately require a CE.

The UK is pretty lapse on this but you would struggle elsewhere in the EU to use a boat without CE. (that's basically because we have no requirement for registration here in the UK so the authorities rarely see our paperwork)

As I say insurance co would have an issue if there was ever an accident but again as we don't have to carry insurance over here (certain marinas/inland waterways etc do require it but not if you just launch into the sea from a public slip) they probably wouldn't find out until after the event.

I can guarantee that 4/5 of the relatively low value boats (of the age where they should comply) sold on here/Ebay/boats and outboards etc don't have any CE paperwork and we choose not to worry about it (me included) but just think the OP should know what the score is.

To complicate matters further there are different requirements/exemptions for boats built for racing or "home builds" provided a certain timeframe passes.

Being really anal about it, it's actually illegal to knowingly sell on a non CE marked boat inside Europe (which should comply) but this is a real minefield so best we say no more!

You'd never guess I have to deal with this stuff everyday ;-)

Cookee · 15-12-2011, 04:52 PM

Fair enough - although it doesn't make any sense at all to me! You would think there would be an exception if it was old enough and you could prove it ...........

FrenchPhil · 15-12-2011, 05:03 PM

And it's not going to get easier, now in France you have to register circuit racing cats too...

Quote:

Originally Posted by pugracer285

Yes it was built before the 1998 ruling but as it can't be proved that it was in use inside the EU before then it will unfortunately require a CE.

The UK is pretty lapse on this but you would struggle elsewhere in the EU to use a boat without CE. (that's basically because we have no requirement for registration here in the UK so the authorities rarely see our paperwork)

As I say insurance co would have an issue if there was ever an accident but again as we don't have to carry insurance over here (certain marinas/inland waterways etc do require it but not if you just launch into the sea from a public slip) they probably wouldn't find out until after the event.

I can guarantee that 4/5 of the relatively low value boats (of the age where they should comply) sold on here/Ebay/boats and outboards etc don't have any CE paperwork and we choose not to worry about it (me included) but just think the OP should know what the score is.

To complicate matters further there are different requirements/exemptions for boats built for racing or "home builds" provided a certain timeframe passes.

Being really anal about it, it's actually illegal to knowingly sell on a non CE marked boat inside Europe (which should comply) but this is a real minefield so best we say no more!

You'd never guess I have to deal with this stuff everyday ;-)

Hydrostream · 15-12-2011, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FrenchPhil

And it's not going to get easier, now in France you have to register circuit racing cats too...

What, for CE requirements?
How could a circuit cat possibly be compliant!

FrenchPhil · 15-12-2011, 06:20 PM

Actually it's not a CE thing but the boat needs to be registered. The good part is that it can be sold & used legally in France.

FrenchPhil · 15-12-2011, 06:54 PM

beyond racing that is.

Ciao · 15-12-2011, 07:36 PM

Give Dave Holley a call - CEO Peters & May.

Also a big supporter of the Sport.

chris grayer · 17-12-2011, 08:06 PM

Thanks you for all the information posted - great guidance. A few more questions that maybe you can help me with.
Is VAT liable on importation on a 34 year old boat?
What basis do the UK authorities asses VAT on an old boat such as this - is it my purchase price, original list price or a valuation?

Mike Bontoft · 17-12-2011, 10:41 PM

Martini was over 34 years old and I had to pay VAT on the purchase price, 18% at the time. Pretty sure they added the shipping cost to the value also.
Just assume the position and think good thoughts until they are all done with you.

pain -tera 28 · 18-12-2011, 09:05 AM

Hi Chris yes the tax will be on the purchase price, and they will add the shipping cost to the purchase price and tax you on that . Good luck

Regards paul

Jon Holmes · 18-12-2011, 10:07 AM

VAT on purchase price and all associated costs up to the point where it arrives at customs. Then its Import duty on top of that.

Tony Davis · 18-12-2011, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon Holmes

VAT on purchase price and all associated costs up to the point where it arrives at customs. Then its Import duty on top of that.

VAT is paid on Import duty, which is paid on value (cost) of boat, shipping and insurance! From memory I think duty is around 2.8%.

chris grayer · 18-12-2011, 03:36 PM

Thanks again to you all- invaluable advice for all the above

Germansaleen · 18-12-2011, 06:16 PM

Chris,

Quote:

The boat is legal & registered to myself as a resident here in the USA and we may be relocating back to the UK

i have moved from florida back to germany in 2006 after 6 years under the hot sun,
i did use a 40 foot and a 20 foot oversea container included two jet skis, my saleen mustang ,compl. household ,5 boxes of spare parts and lots of shop equipment.

it all was declared as moving household stuff incl. car and jetski's
the customs here in germany bremen told me... if it belongs to me longer then half a year (proof of bill of sale) i do not have to pay taxes or duty for germany and i didn't

Michael