Guernsey & Jersey: Channel Islands Yacht Export & Delivery – A Guide

The purpose of this guide is to introduce the unique fiscal characteristics of the Channel Islands of Guernsey and Jersey in order to explain how the island can as a result be utilised for the purpose of exporting yachts from the VAT territory of the EU and also for the purpose of selling yachts outside the scope of EU VAT.

The guide also introduces the services that can be provided by Oceanskies to assist with the export and delivery of yachts in Guernsey and Jersey. Oceanskies is a leading yacht registration and documentation consultancy based in the Channel Islands.

We would stress that this guide should not be construed as legal or fiscal advice and we would recommend that the parties to any export or yacht sale transaction always take their own legal and fiscal advice on whether or not Guernsey or Jersey should be used as the export and/or delivery point.

Guernsey & Jersey – Geographical Position

Guernsey and Jersey are the two largest of the Channel Islands and are located in the English Channel situated in the Bay of St. Malo off the Northwest coast of France.

The location of Guernsey and Jersey makes them a convenient stop off location for many yachts being delivered from UK or Northern European yards and heading southwards towards the Mediterranean.

Yachts heading northwards either for refit or for cruising purposes also find Guernsey and Jersey to be conveniently located.

Guernsey & Jersey - Constitutional Position

Guernsey and Jersey are both independent self-governing Crown dependencies with their own legislative assembly, system of local administration, laws and their own courts based on English law. Matters concerning defence and international relations, including relations with the European Union are the responsibility of the British Government.

Guernsey & Jersey – Fiscal Position

There are no sales taxes or capital gains taxes in Guernsey.

There is a local sales tax known as GST in Jersey.

The relationship of Guernsey and Jersey with the European Community is set out in Protocol 3 of the United Kingdom's Treaty of Accession.

Guernsey and Jersey are within the Customs territory of the Community, but NOT within the Fiscal territory of the Community.

Guernsey and Jersey are not part of the EU VAT regime .

Yachts exported to Guernsey and Jersey can be zero rated for VAT in the same way as exports to destinations outside the European Community.

Oceanskies Services

As yacht agents Oceanskies are able to assist yachts visiting Guernsey and Jersey by arranging berthing and the handling of all customs, export and immigration formalities either as a stand-alone service or as part of its range of yacht  registration services.

We have experience of working closely with many of the major UK and Northern European shipyards as well as European customs agents to handle proof of export formalities in the Channel Islands.

We are also experienced in acting as Seller or Buyer representatives in Guernsey or Jersey. For example we can be authorised under Power of Attorney to sign documentation in connection with the offshore sale and delivery of yachts physically located in the island.

For yachts either too large or unable to berth in St. Peter Port due to capacity restraints we are able to use our own tender to service yachts at anchor.

Cheap Marine Fuel - Guernsey

The offices of Oceanskies are conveniently located inside the Boatworks+ building in the heart to St. Peter Port harbour in Guernsey alongside the main yacht refuelling berth.

Yachts up to 50 metres in length can be accommodated on the fuel berth and larger yachts can be berthed in the main harbour.

All fuel in Guernsey for both private and commercial vessels is duty free and tax free.

In cases where a yacht is in a rush to reach an onward destination Oceanskies can usually attend to all necessary customs and immigration facilities whilst the vessel is refuelling.

Next Steps

Please do not hesitate to contact us to for further information.

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