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
Fiji’s ‘Blue Lane’ initiative for Covid-19 proves successful
Over 90 yachts have already arrived or are due to arrive in the Fijian islands to make use of the country’s ‘Blue Lane’ initiative which was introduced some months ago in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. According to an FBC News report, it is estimated that some Fi$10m has been ...
Global Covid-19 update | 23 October
The International Council of Marine Industry Association (ICOMIA) and its member associations have posted updates to a State of the Industry report tracking the latest regulations regarding COVID-19 and the specific impacts on the boating sector in countries across the world.
International yachts caught up in bureaucratic mix-up at SA ports
International cruising yachts calling at South African ports are caught up in a bureaucratic mix-up related to Covid-19 health protocols, the South African Daily Maverick website reported on Wednesday.
Indonesia opens up to foreign-flagged yachts
In response to the sizeable number of yachts that have been left stranded in Asia-Pacific waters due to cyclones and restrictions on sailing in various locations in the region due to Covid-19, the Indonesian government
UK yacht owners with boats overseas granted one-year VAT extension
UK yacht owners have been granted another year to avoid paying VAT twice on boats returning to the UK, according to the Financial Times newspaper.
SA government proposes end to ban on PWCs in marine protected areas
The South African government has published new draft regulations that propose overturning the current ban on the use of personal watercraft in marine protected areas.
Dominican Republic to boost nautical tourism, local boatbuilding
The Dominican Republic is already starting to think about “post-pandemic” recovery and one senator from the Modern Revolutionary Party (MRP) believes that nautical tourism, along with boatbuilding and repair, could be key.
NZ immigration authorities deport three German yachtsmen for breaching Covid-19 rules
The 52ft Anita arrived in the Bay of Islands without prior permission
Panel: Covid-19 “wreaking havoc” on Europe tourism, including boating sector
The coronavirus pandemic is wreaking havoc on Europe’s tourism sector, and that includes many boating and watersports companies, says an advisory EU panel.
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
More Regulatory News
Judge declares yacht ownership suit “a mess”
UK to accept CE-certified products until end of 2021
Two arrested for fraud linked to yacht-building business
Popular cruising destinations impose stricter rules
Fiji’s ‘Blue Lane’ initiative proves good response to Covid-19
Trump resumes trade war with Canada
Bermuda to join countries opening up ownership registers
NZ update: exemption for visiting yachts with work booked; Auckland show to attract large crowds; Ocean Marine busy; new Waiheke marina
Gibraltar introduces new Covid-19 protocols for returning yachts
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
