The latest news from around the world on regulatory issues and legislation affecting the boating industry including taxes, trade tariffs, standards and environomental restrictions.

Regulatory Issues and Legislation

Brexit flag

UK boating industry: EU trade deal welcome, but more work to do

2021-01-08T14:43:00+00:00

While British Marine, the trade body for the UK leisure marine industry, has welcomed the trade deal with the EU, it has warned that more work needs to be done and additional guidance is required from government in order to allow supply chains to operate as seamlessly as possible.

EU-China agreement

EU, China sign tentative trade and investment accord

2021-01-06T11:14:00+00:00IBI , by Robert Wielaard

The deal still needs to be approved by the 27 EU governments and the European Parliament

OIP

Post-Brexit, EU-Britain free trade deal can be an obstacle race

2021-01-05T11:13:00+00:00IBI , by Robert Wielaard

The EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement inevitably presents hurdles for Europe’s boating and related sectors on both sides of the English Channel – from VAT to border red tape, from travel curbs to rules of origin. Recognition of professional qualifications is at stake. There will be free trade in goods, ...

Gibraltar

Gibraltar to join Schengen, minimising Brexit impact for yacht visitors

2021-01-04T11:58:00+00:00IBI , by David Robinson

Under draft deal Spain extends Schengen arrangements to include Gibraltar

Brexit flag

RYA releases Brexit update for UK boaters

2020-12-22T16:06:00+00:00

The UK’s Royal Yachting Association (RYA) has launched a Brexit update which provides a summary of the changes which will affect UK recreational boating as the rules change in January 2021.

brexit-and beyond

Brexit agreement hangs in the Balance

2020-12-11T17:13:00+00:00

A preview the leading article in IBI`s forthcoming issue has publisher Nick Hopkinson hoping for a workable Brexit agreement

Screenshot 2020-12-02 at 14.59.47

Positive EU-US vibes raise hopes for removal of boat tariffs

2020-12-03T15:00:00+00:00IBI , by Robert Wielaard, Arlene Sloan

Partners in the trans-Atlantic boat business are becoming increasingly hopeful that a renewed era of cooperation between the US and Europe will lead to an easing of trade tensions and tarrifs – particularly those imposed on the import of American-built boats into the EU. But second-stage tariff increases loom if ...

Ao Po Grand Marina 2

Phuket accepting superyachts subject to quarantine rules

2020-12-02T13:33:00+00:00IBI , by David Robinson

Foreign-flagged yachts can still visit Thailand if they can meet or undergo quarantine rules after arrival

Thailand Yacht Show

Thailand to remain closed to general tourism until at least the second quarter of 2021

2020-12-01T16:58:00+00:00IBI , by Neil Eaves

It will be March 2021 at the earliest until there is any semblance of general tourism to Thailand, according to the Thai Minster for Sports and Tourism, Pipat Ratchakitprakan.

Port Erie Sports

Canadian government proposes licensing changes for boats, boaters

2020-12-01T09:46:00+00:00IBI , by Craig Ritchie

Transport Canada soliciting industry comment on proposed licensing amendments and fees for both pleasure boats and pleasure boaters

P&M yacht transport advice

Advice forthcoming about rule changes due to Brexit

2020-11-27T15:59:00+00:00IBI , by David Robinson

Guidance on yacht transporting and trading from British Marine and Peters & May

French flag

French VAT details on rental of pleasure boats clarified

2020-11-25T14:20:00+00:00IBI , by Neil Eaves

The French Directorate of Tax Legislation (DLF), part of the Ministry of the Economy and Finance, yesterday clarified key elements concerning the new VAT regulations regarding pleasure boat rentals and leasing payments.