We were unexpectedly boarded today at dock in La Rochelle, France, where we have been for a few weeks. All our paperwork is perfectly OK, so we were given a signed paper.

What is interesting is that the Customs officer told us, in perfect English, that we should not pay any VAT on things purchased for the boat on the chandleries nor on any labor.

This put us immediately on alert and in a quick survey of other non-EU boats here in the docks we found some here report having been charged VAT and some report not being charged VAT on upgrades and repairs.

On a related point, quickly looking around on the internet for information on the aforementioned subject, we came across consultant 's reports that non-EU boats which are chartered are able to purchase tax-free fuel. We are certainly not charter nor have any interest in chartering, but why would this singular benefit apply only to non-EU charterers who until a couple of years ago were also free of other taxes?

Any leads most welcome! :)