Today, it is possible to buy a boat anywhere in the world. It is thus not exceptional to notice a pleasure boat made in the United States sailing in Europe and a European boat sailing in the China Sea. In order to fly the French flag, a boat must meet several criteria.
Conditions to have a boat registered
- Measuring less than 7 meters and having a motorization of less than 22 horsepower or measuring more than 7 meters
- At least half of the shares are owned either by nationals of a European Union (EU) Member State or the United Kingdom, or by companies whose registered office is located in France, another EU Member State or a State party to the EEA
- Have been built in the EU, or have paid the required duties and taxes there
- Have undergone a security check
The existence of a possible mortgage is not taken into account in the application, it is up to the buyer to ensure the mortgage status of the boat before the purchase, with the national authorities of the country of origin of the boat.
Detailed procedure
Once these conditions have been met, a number of forms must be filled out and accompanied by the following supporting documents
- Application for francization ( cerfa form 12810 )
- Pleasure craft form ( registration form in the name of the buyer )
- Original and copy of the invoice or bill of sale of the boat
- Tax certificate, for vessels over 7.5 meters purchased in a European Union Member State other than France
- Certificate of Non-Similarity of Name for Vessels of 24 meters and over
- National identity document
- Proof of residence, and, for European nationals residing in France for less than 6 months, a certificate of election of residence in France ( form cerfa 14501 )
- For "CE" vessels, the original of the written declaration of conformity. If not, a certificate on honour stating the length of the hull
- For vessels not subject to the production of a CTA, the owner must provide a statement on his honor stating the length of the hull.
Prefer to deposit in person
All of these documents, filled in and possibly declared as conforming in the case where only copies could be produced, should be sent to the General Directorate of Customs and Indirect Rights to which you belong. We recommend that you make an appointment with the customs office closest to your home (there is necessarily one in each fishing port) and to submit, in person and against a receipt, the entire file. This is the most reliable method to ensure that you have not forgotten to provide or fill in anything.
It is at the obtaining the title of the boat's francisation that you will be able to apply for registration with the maritime affairs and, thus, to sail serenely on French waters.
