Longer fee-free stay for yachties

 More than 600 yachts visiting New Zealand each year now have the chance to stay an extra year without paying charges.

Customs Minister Maurice Williamson yesterday revealed super-yachts, yachts and other small craft visiting New Zealand can now stay for up to two years without paying Customs’ charges.

Maurice says extending the temporary entry period from 12 to 24 months will be an advantage to the New Zealand marine industry as well as the yacht owners.

“It’s expected the more than 600 yachts that visit each year, will take advantage of the additional time to get repairs and refits done.

“This change will also put New Zealand on an equal footing with many other countries.”

Visiting yachts and small crafts are granted a temporary entry to excuse owners from paying charges if their vessels are not being used commercially or being sold, and depart the country within the two-year time period.

Vessels that stay past this time in New Zealand may be subject to duty and GST charges.

It is possible for present yacht owners to get an extension if they arrived in New Zealand after July 2013.

They can do so by emailing Customs their yacht and temporary entry details.


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