Mel's Sillies .................................................

Hi Everyone

I received the following e-mail from my friend Sheila we moor together in Carcassonne - (she was a solicitor ). I thought you should be aware of her experience if possible pass this on to friends with boats.

Thanks hope you are well and enjoying cruising and life.

Love Irene

www.moet-chandon.co.uk

Dear All -

Last week, (23 July) whilst in Aigues Mortes on "Chatelaine", I was approached by 3 guys declaring themselves to be Customs officers (Douane). They were dressed casually in shorts and T-shirts, but flashed an official looking I.D. They demanded to see my boat registration, boat insurance and passport. Then followed various questions -

- how long has the boat been in France?

- how long had I been in France?

- did I live on it?

- Was the boat new or secondhand?

- where was it berthed?

- where was my home address in UK?

I sort of avoided direct answers.......

They then informed me that I was liable to pay a French annual tax on my boat (DAFN - more on that later.....), and in my case that would be 1000 euros per year. I have to stress they did not directly ask me for the money.

I told them they looked like tourists, that my boat was SSR registered, and that I would not pay this tax.

They went into a huddle, came back to the boat and told me that the next visit I got from Customs, I should tell them I lived in UK.

They also visited a neighbouring French boat - the owner being convinced they were genuine!

I was not convinced, and contacted the harbour master. He immediately smelt a rat, and contacted the Douanes at Grand Motte, who confirmed no-one from their office had visited!

Needless to say, 3 days I got another 3 guys, dressed from top to toe in uniform, declaring themselves to be the "true" Douanes!. They were very nice, and took great steps to show me their official I.D. and let me examine it at close quarters. Yes - they checked my papers, and asked for an UK address, and confirmation that I paid my taxes in UK. However, their prime objective was to find out more information about these IMPOSTERS! This is the first time it has happened to their knowledge, and they were most concerned. It is a criminal offence to impersonate a Customs officer - plus indirectly demand money. Anyone being approached, should call the Police, and ask that the Douanes at Grand Motte be informed.

For your information - 3 guys - one about 5' 9", blond short hair, slim, speaking quite good English. He carried a notebook and pen, and flashed a plain black folding wallet with some sort of I.D. in it, with an official badge on the left hand side. The other two (who took no part in the conversation), were guys in their mid 40's - typical French - dark short hair, short and stocky. All were casually dressed in shorts and T-shirts and all carried backpacks.

This Tax - called DAFN (droit annuelle de franchisation et de navigation) actually exists!

French residents have to pay it on boats over 7 metres who have a engine over 22 hp - there is a sliding scale - upward!. The 'real' Douanes confirmed this, and commented that these imposters were quite clued up on this DAFN. If you are told you are liable for this tax, it will ALWAYS be accompanied by the official paperwork, and sent to you by post. - it is NEVER demanded at the Port.

This DAFN tax applies to French residents AND EU persons, resident in France. This is interpreted as anyone having a house here, paying taxes here, OR being on a boat more than 6 months continuously!

The answer - always give a UK/home country address as your home address, pay your taxes in your home country -and tell them you only spend 5 months of the year on the boat!

They gave me the impression that they do not pursue boaters spending the Summer here, and leaving the boat in France for the winter.

P.S. the Douanes knew that my boat had been in Carcassonne last Winter!

Please pass this info on!

Sheila