VAT-paid status
Confirmation that EU VAT has been settled on the yacht's hull, attaching to the asset rather than the flag. A VAT-paid yacht can move freely within the EU customs territory.
EU VAT-paid status attaches to the hull, not the flag. A Maltese-flagged yacht owned by a non-EU SPV is not automatically EU VAT-paid; conversely a Cayman-flagged hull on which import VAT was settled in Italy is EU VAT-paid. Documentary evidence is the importation declaration and VAT receipt. Loss of VAT-paid status can occur on certain ownership changes, modifications, or extended absence from EU waters under specific circumstances.