Choose evolution as your agent for VAT exempt refit

Spain, a heavenly and versatile destination thanks to its climate with pleasant temperatures all year round. The ease and excellent connections between cities facilitate access to a wide variety of cultural and gastronomic offerings. During summer season, sailing along the Spanish coasts enjoying the essence of the Mediterranean it’s a must. However, during winter, Spain becomes one of the preferred destinations for superyacht to perform maintenance and refit work, due to the extensive Spanish coastline there is a plethora of well-equipped ports to facilitate these duties. Although the most popular service is Inward Processing Relief, better known in Spanish as TPA.

What does the concept of TPA mean
TPA is a customs process that allows the temporary importation of non-European vessels for repairs, maintenance and refit, with the possibility of VAT exemption.
One of the requirements for being subject to this regime is to have a flag that does not belong to the European Union, as well as the owner of the vessel, who cannot belong to the European Union either. There are also other requirements, which their agents must previously check with the ship’s official documentation to be eligible for Inward Processing Relief.
If the above requirements are met, they can start with the TPA process. In Spain, there are no shortage of cities in which it is possible to access the benefits of the Inward Processing Relief (TPA), they must simply comply with the characteristic of being considered as a customs port. These can be: Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona, Tarragona, Vilanova, Valencia, Alicante, Cartagena and Málaga amongst others.

Main advantages of tpa
Vessel will be able to save 21% VAT on all repair, maintenance and refit supplier invoices, including Spanish and foreign companies. In addition, shipment of any imported parts related to TPA will be eligible for this regime avoiding the payment of VAT and customs duties.
When the vessel is under TPA process, it doesn’t consume the 18-month temporary import time for non-EU vessels to remain in the EU, which is a major added advantage. During this process, Evolution will be able to assist you directly without intermediaries.
In addition, this process saves the vessel time and costs avoiding the need to clear in a non-EU port.

How tpa process is completed
Such process is quite complex and requires special attention to ensure that all requirements are fulfilled. There are three possibilities to close the TPA process.
– Sail offshore up to 12 nautical miles and once exceeded the vessel can return to the port.
– To visit any other Spanish customs port in transit.
– Conclude the TPA by exporting the vessel to a non-EU country, for instance, Gibraltar.

Why evolution for tpa
Evolution is an officially registered customs agent with over 25 years’ experience in the superyacht industry. As an Authorised Economic Operator, Evolution is in constant communication with Customs to ensure that all legal requirements are properly with an in-house legal team ensuring complete guidance without intermediaries.
With over 500 TPAs successfully managed, Evolution is able to open your TPA as well as guide captains, crew, managements and contractors through the entire process, ensuring that Spanish tax and customs requirements are met at the time TPA process is taking place by simplifying the process in several Spanish ports, providing transparency and an unwavering commitment whenever you need it.
This winter choose EVOLUTION to handle your TPA processes and enjoy an exceptional service with personalised and efficient attention. Contact their expert team at:
tpa@evolutionagents.com
+34 971 400 201