Customs, Tax & Duty Declarations

Why Choose Our Customs and Tax Declaration Services?

International yacht operations often involve navigating a complex web of customs regulations, tax liabilities, and duty requirements. Incorrect handling can result in costly fines, legal complications, or even the impoundment of your vessel. Our specialized customs and tax declaration services are designed to safeguard owners and captains by ensuring that every procedural and legal aspect is meticulously managed.

Expertise in Maritime Regulations: Our compliance team is extensively trained in global maritime law, VAT regulations, Temporary Admission (TA), and customs union procedures. We continuously monitor legislative changes across major yachting jurisdictions to provide accurate and up-to-date guidance.

Streamlined Process: From pre-arrival paperwork to final clearances, we coordinate the entire customs process. This includes preparation of declarations, securing tax exemptions where applicable, and liaising directly with port and customs authorities to expedite procedures.

Risk Mitigation: By ensuring full compliance with duty and tax obligations, we help you avoid penalties, vessel detention, or reputational risks. Our structured approach protects both owners and operators from liabilities while ensuring smooth, uninterrupted cruising plans.

Our Comprehensive Service Includes:

Customs Documentation: Drafting and submission of import/export declarations, Temporary Admission documents, T2L forms, and transit permits, tailored to the yacht’s flag, tonnage, and cruising area.

Tax and Duty Management: Calculation and settlement of Value Added Tax (VAT), import duties, and local levies, based on vessel classification, declared value, and country-specific regulations. Where exemptions apply, we prepare the necessary legal documentation to secure reliefs.

Liaison with Authorities: Acting as your direct representative, we coordinate with customs inspectors, port state control, and fiscal agents. Our presence during inspections ensures that all procedures are handled efficiently and with full compliance.

Post-Entry Compliance: Support continues after arrival. We assist with crew declarations, bonded stores management, and the preparation of ongoing compliance reports to satisfy local tax authorities and maritime administrations.

With our expert guidance, yacht owners and captains can focus entirely on navigation and guest experience, confident that every customs and tax obligation is handled with precision and professionalism. Whether entering EU waters, transiting between tax jurisdictions, or preparing for charter operations, our services provide complete legal and operational peace of mind.

VAT Solutions for Charter Yachts

Operating a yacht for charter within EU waters and other tax jurisdictions introduces complex VAT (Value Added Tax) obligations that must be handled with care. Failure to comply can result in penalties, vessel detention, or the invalidation of charter agreements. Our VAT solutions are designed to provide yacht owners and operators with structured, compliant, and optimized frameworks for charter operations.

VAT Registration & Fiscal Representation: We assist with the full VAT registration process for your yacht, appointing fiscal representatives where required. This ensures that your yacht is properly recognized for commercial activity and meets all legal entry points into EU waters.

Charter Invoicing & Compliance: We prepare VAT-compliant invoices for charter guests and brokers, ensuring that the correct VAT rates are applied depending on the cruising grounds and duration. Our team monitors regulatory updates in each jurisdiction to keep charter operations compliant at all times.

Optimized VAT Structures: Depending on the yacht’s flag, operational base, and charter profile, we design structures that minimize VAT exposure while remaining fully compliant with local laws. This may include short-term Temporary Admission regimes, use of specific charter-friendly jurisdictions, or special VAT reductions available under local rules.

Financial Reporting: Accurate record-keeping is essential. We provide detailed VAT reporting, prepare returns, and maintain transaction records in accordance with national tax authority requirements. Regular reporting ensures transparency and avoids costly audits.

Cross-Border Operations: For yachts cruising between multiple jurisdictions, we provide guidance on VAT treatment for each leg of the voyage. This includes calculating apportioned VAT for time spent in EU versus international waters, and applying the correct exemptions.

By implementing our VAT solutions, charter yacht owners benefit from peace of mind, knowing their operations are both legally compliant and financially optimized. With our expertise, you can focus on maximizing charter income while avoiding the risks associated with VAT mismanagement.

Temporary Admission & Private Use

Not all yachts are operated for commercial purposes. Many owners use their vessels exclusively for private leisure, which places them under a different customs and tax regime. To accommodate this, the EU and other jurisdictions provide mechanisms such as Temporary Admission (TA), allowing non-EU flagged yachts to operate in EU waters without immediate VAT or import duty charges, provided certain conditions are met.

Temporary Admission (TA): This system allows non-EU flagged yachts owned by non-EU residents to enter EU waters for up to 18 months without paying full import VAT. We assist owners with proper documentation, entry declarations, and port clearance to ensure full compliance with the TA framework. Extensions or re-entries are managed carefully to maintain uninterrupted legal status.

Private Use Considerations: For yachts under EU flag or owned by EU residents, different rules apply. VAT and customs liabilities are determined based on ownership, flag state, and location of the yacht. We provide detailed advice on whether VAT should be settled in full, whether exemptions may apply, or if a restructuring of ownership could optimize tax positioning.

Mixed-Use Yachts: Some yachts alternate between private use and commercial charter. In such cases, clear segregation of accounts, usage logs, and charter contracts is essential to avoid disputes with customs or tax authorities. Our team designs frameworks that allow flexibility while maintaining compliance with VAT regulations and Temporary Admission rules.

Customs Declarations & Entry Procedures: Whether arriving for a summer season in the Mediterranean or transiting through EU waters, we handle all required documentation and liaise with customs officers to ensure smooth entry. This includes advising on permitted activities under TA (such as guest embarkation rules) and ensuring that the yacht remains within regulatory boundaries.

By clearly defining whether your yacht is under private use, commercial operation, or a hybrid structure, we help you avoid costly misunderstandings and ensure that your vessel enjoys legal and financial security in every cruising ground. Our expertise allows owners to enjoy their yacht with confidence, free from the uncertainty of unexpected tax or customs liabilities.