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Shipping spare parts abroad on a long passage: customs and yacht in transit
Short answer
Have spare parts shipped abroad on a long passage and you will meet customs.
Many countries let parts for a visiting yacht in duty free if the parcel is marked yacht in
transit and the paperwork matches.
Without that, a part can sit in a warehouse for weeks.
On a long passage something will break that you cannot fix on board: a pump, a charge controller, part of the self steering. The part is usually ordered from home and shipped to a harbour on the other side of the world. There, customs decides whether it gets through, what it costs and how long it takes. Many countries, especially in the Caribbean and the Pacific, let parts for a foreign yacht that is only passing through in without duty. The condition is almost always that parcel, boat and paperwork match.
The usual approach is to mark the parcel yacht in transit, together with the boat's name, flag, berth and the skipper's name, and to include an invoice that describes the parts precisely. Ship to an agent, a marina or a chandler who knows the process, not to a private address. Some countries still charge tax or fees, some require a customs broker, and courier firms add their own clearance charges. The rules vary from country to country, so ask the marina office, an agent or other crews before you order.
Often the quickest route is a suitcase: if friends or family are flying out anyway, they bring the part with the invoice and a letter saying it is for the yacht. Keep a list of serial and part numbers for the key equipment, and carry wear parts such as impellers, filters and seals in generous quantities from the start. Keep every receipt and shipping note, because you will need them for your records and for any claim that follows damage on board.
Worth remembering
Unmarked parcel
duty, tax, often weeks of waiting
Yacht in transit
duty free in many countries if the papers match
On a long passage the label on the parcel decides how long you wait.
Questions
What owners ask us about this
What does yacht in transit on a parcel mean?
It tells customs that the parts are for a foreign yacht that is only passing through. In many countries they are then duty free, provided the paperwork matches.
Where should spare parts be sent?
To an agent, a marina or a local chandler who knows the customs process. Ask them first for the exact address and the papers they need.
Can visitors bring parts in their luggage?
Often yes, with the invoice and a letter stating that the parts are for the yacht. Whether duty is due is up to the customs of that country.
Related
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