Specialist VAT and customs expertise for yacht brokerage
BTOBNICE is pleased to have assisted COMPASS Maritime Courtage in analysing a complex VAT and customs status issue involving a pleasure craft in the context of an international transaction.
Based in Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of France, COMPASS Maritime Courtage is an independent yacht brokerage specialising in the purchase and sale of pre-owned pleasure boats. Founded and managed by Nicolas Roche, an experienced marine industry professional, the company supports sellers and buyers at every stage of their project: vessel valuation, listing for sale, advertising, arranging viewings and handling administrative matters through to completion of the transaction. Its aim is to make boat transactions more secure and straightforward, while providing each client with attentive, personalised support tailored to their particular requirements. This approach includes particular attention to the administrative aspects of sales, including where specific tax or customs issues require specialist advice.
Indeed, in the yachting sector, sales of yachts and pleasure craft can raise particularly technical tax and customs issues, especially where vessels have changed flag, sailed outside the European Union’s VAT territory or been owned by non-residents.
Such circumstances require a thorough review of the vessel’s history and the applicable EU rules to establish its customs status and any import VAT obligations.
Against this background, Nicolas Roche, CEO of COMPASS Maritime Courtage, sought BTOBNICE’s expertise to review the VAT and customs position of a sailing yacht involved in a transaction in France.
Following our involvement and the favourable confirmation obtained from the customs authorities, Nicolas Roche wished to share his appreciation of our support.
Your expertise, the precision of your advice and your responsiveness were instrumental in resolving this matter. Finding such expertise combined with such genuine kindness is rare, and your generous assistance was particularly valuable to me.
Nicolas Roche / CEO – COMPASS Maritime Courtage
COMPASS Maritime Courtage’s testimonial on our VAT and customs expertise in yachting
In his message of thanks, Nicolas Roche highlights BTOBNICE’s contribution to resolving a customs issue that had complicated the completion of a yacht transaction.
Our involvement consisted of reviewing the vessel’s administrative and customs history, analysing the relevant EU provisions and putting forward legal arguments to support a reassessment of its tax treatment.
Particular attention was paid to the rules governing the customs status of Union goods, Returned Goods Relief and the conditions applicable to import VAT on pleasure craft.
This analysis provided additional legal insight to the professionals already handling the matter, while respecting their respective roles.
Following the steps taken, the customs authorities confirmed the favourable VAT and customs treatment of the vessel, allowing the matter to be resolved.
Beyond this positive outcome, his testimonial highlights the precision of our advice, our responsiveness and the quality of our professional relationship.
Our VAT and customs advisory services for yachts and pleasure craft
Based in Nice on the French Riviera, BTOBNICE advises yachting professionals, yacht brokers, yacht management companies and yacht owners on the VAT and customs implications of their international activities and transactions.
Our advisory services include:
- VAT on yacht sales and purchases, including international transactions;
- Import VAT and customs formalities applicable to pleasure craft;
- Union customs status and Returned Goods Relief, particularly following voyages outside the EU customs or VAT territory;
- Temporary Admission of yachts and the rules governing the movement of foreign-flagged vessels;
- VAT on yacht charter, maintenance and repair services;
- Assessment of the tax implications of changes of flag and international vessel movements.
Our approach combines specialist expertise in international indirect taxation, a tailored assessment of each situation and close collaboration with maritime industry professionals.
Our aim is to identify the obligations that actually apply, prevent VAT and customs risks and help safeguard transactions.
Are you a yacht broker, yacht manager or pleasure craft owner facing a VAT or customs status issue involving a vessel?
Contact BTOBNICE to discuss your situation:contact@btobnice.com
Our thanks
BTOBNICE extends its sincere thanks to Nicolas Roche and COMPASS Maritime Courtage for their trust, the quality of our exchanges and their generous testimonial.
We are particularly touched by this unsolicited recognition, which reflects the importance of combining technical expertise with a professional relationship built on attentive listening, availability and trust.
We wish them every success in their future yacht transactions and look forward to working together again.
Kind regards,
Siouzanna Maignan
Founder & President of BTOBNICE
Useful links:
OUR SERVICES | Yachting VAT & Tax Services
LATEST INSIGHTS | European Commission clarifies the customs status of pleasure craft