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
International boating community urges US, EU trade officials to remove tariffs on boats
Three marine industry associations – the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) in the US, the global International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) and European Boating Industry (EBI) – sent a letter to US and EU trade officials last week, urging them to reach an agreement that removes the EU’s ...
Thai government eases yacht restrictions
Foreign tourists can now apply for a Special Tourist Visa (STV) valid for 90 days
US rescinds latest 10% tariff on Canadian aluminium
The new tariff announced on August 16 was withdrawn late Tuesday, hours before Canada was to implement its own $3.6bn in retaliatory levies
Judge declares yacht ownership suit “a mess”
A federal judge in Miami, Florida who has declared the ownership lawsuit over a US$1m yacht “a mess” is allowing a local business which has procession of the boat to keep it temporarily, and has further suggested federal investigators may want to intervene.
UK to accept CE-certified products until end of 2021
IMCI, the Brussels-based International Marine Certification Institute, today issued a statement to say that all products that are certified under the Recreational Craft Directive (RCD) by IMCI will be able to be placed on the UK market with the CE mark until 1 January 2022.
Two arrested for fraud linked to yacht-building business
Two South Africans have been charged with fraud in relation to Tag Yachts, a custom catamaran builder based in the Eastern Cape
Popular cruising destinations impose stricter rules
The Seychelles and Maldives have both tightened restrictions on cruising yachts – one for regulatory purposes and the other for Covid-containment
Fiji’s ‘Blue Lane’ initiative proves good response to Covid-19
Over 20 yachts have so far made use of the ‘Blue Lane’ initiative introduced by the Fijian government to allow yachts and superyachts to visit the South Pacific island nation, according to a report in The Fiji Times.
Trump resumes trade war with Canada
It’s Déjà vu for the North American boat industry as US president Donald Trump announces a new 10% tariff on Canadian aluminium, while Canada vows to retaliate
Bermuda to join countries opening up ownership registers
With ever-greater visibility being given to ownership of company registers in a increasing number of offshore ‘tax haven’ jurisdictions, Bermuda is now committed to joining them by making its register accessible to the public by January 2021.
NZ update: exemption for visiting yachts with work booked; Auckland show to attract large crowds; Ocean Marine busy; new Waiheke marina
New rule could give a boost to local yacht repair and refit sector
Gibraltar introduces new Covid-19 protocols for returning yachts
Need for crew to submit report to captain of the port before arrival
More Regulatory News
North Carolina legislation makes abandoned boat disposal easier
French association asks government to reallocate boating taxes to help industry
Trinidad & Tobago brace for surge of superyachts
Barbados to join list of Caribbean islands reopening to tourists
MYBA issues guidance on Greek yacht charters
St Maarten to reopen to tourists from July 1
North American industry gears up for July 1 implementation of USMCA trade deal
Maldives to reopen to visitors from next week
Malta allows superyacht crew changes
Fiji launches ‘Blue Lane’ initiative for yachts and pleasure craft
Argentinean boating industry partially reopens; Buenos Aires show postponed
Marshall Islands revises Yacht Code
Great American Outdoors Act passes US Senate
Finnish boaters set to enjoy fewer restrictions
Bahamas reopens for private yachts
Great American Outdoor Act set for Senate passage
Tasmania eases coronavirus restrictions
Montenegro removes quarantine requirement for arriving yachts
Turkish yacht charter restrictions eased
France and Spain loosen boating regulations
