92001E2068

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2068/01

by Stefano Zappalà (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(13 July 2001)

Subject: Non-Community vessels in Italian waters

The owners of vessels who are non-resident in the European Union can stay in Italian waters for no more than six months, after which they have to leave territorial waters, otherwise they can be charged with illegal trafficking (unless they register the vessels in Italy).

This temporary importation is punitive for those who want to spend the whole winter in Italy, since they include not only wealthy people, but also those who love the sea and travel to and fro between their country of origin and the port where they have left their boat.

The EC has for some time been considering the proposal to extend authorisation for up to two years provided that vessels leave territorial waters for at least a day.

Some Community countries outside the Mediterranean areas already apply this new rule in practice.

Can the Commission say if the above is true and what urgent measures it intends to take?

Answer given by Mr Bolkestein on behalf of the Commission

(4 September 2001)

Non-Community vessels intended for re-export may be used in the customs territory of the Community with relief from import duties and Value Added Tax (VAT) if the goods are placed under the temporary importation procedure.

This customs procedure must be discharged within a given period. The re-exportation of the goods from the customs territory of the Community is the usual means of discharging a temporary importation procedure. The period for discharge for privately used means of sea and inland waterway transport is 18 months (Article 562 (e) of Commission Regulation (EEC) No 2454/93 of 2 July 1993 as amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No 993/2001 of 4 May 2001, amending Regulation (EEC) No 2454/93 laying down provisions for the implementation of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2913/92 establishing the Community Customs Code(1)).

Due to the reform of the customs procedures with economic impact the legal situation is now better than before for those who want to stay with their vessels in the Union for more than 6 months. The longer period of 18 months applies from 1 July 2001.

(1) OJ L 141, 28.5.2001.