Does anybody have recent information on the EU VAT for yachts? Especially minimum thresholds? We have a modest 1990, 31’ yacht that I brought into the EU in the Azores last May. If I do the math, my 18 months is up ~September this year. The boat is currently wintered in Italy and we’re planning to sail to Greece this spring. We may sail up to Albania to reset the boat’s VAT calendar but I’d rather not have to.

I purchased the boat in 2017 for 50,000 USD and am hoping the EU authorities would deep she’s of such low value that it’s not worth imposing the VAT on her. I also heard from someone that 1985 was a cutoff date (boats older than 1985 vintage weren’t taxed).

Is thee VAT 20% of “value?” How is value calculated? If it’s very low, I may just pay it. 

Thoughts appreciated. Thanks!

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Dick - 29 Mar 2023

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Daniel Coate - 29 Mar 2023

Thanks Andy and Dick. We spent a lot of time in Italian waters last year and no officials ever asked us for anything related to a Constituto. However, after we left our boat in Gaeta, Italy last fall (BNFG marina), the marina concierge said that the local customs officials wanted to talk to me. I told the concierge I’d be happy to visit them this spring when I return…fingers crossed.

Last year a dear US/OCC friend with lots of Italian experience (she now had Italian residency), recommended two things to us when cruising Italy: 1) plead ignorance, 2) proclaim your love of Italy and all things Italian…it’s worked so far. ;-

Hi Daniel,
Yes: The “dumb American” card has been played on a number of occasions: and for the most part it was an accurate statement and not a ploy.
We were asked for our “Constituto” rarely: and it may no longer be part of the cruising picture.
And, yes, say wonderful things about the host country: usually pretty easy.
And we do try to work in good faith and we always kept our notes, research and paperwork to document this. Often, even if we inadvertently transgressed some rule, showing our efforts to work in good faith turned the tide in our favor.
Good luck upon your return.
My best, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy