Importing a boat Slovenia – What you need to know

Importing a boat to Slovenia can be a great solution for sea lovers looking for a better price or a specific type of vessel from abroad. However, the import process is complicated and requires knowledge of regulations, documentation and procedures. In this article, you will find all the key information you need for a successful importing a boat to Slovenia.

How to go about importing a boat?

First of all, it is important to know which country you are importing the boat from, as the process varies depending on whether it is an import from the EU or from third countries.

Importing a boat from the European Union

Imports from the EU are easier as there are no customs duties between member states. You will only need proof of ownership and an invoice, but you still have to follow some Slovenian regulations.

• Invoice with buyer and seller information
• CE certificate or declaration of conformity
• Technical compliance report (if required)
• Checking registration in the country of origin

Importing a boat from third countries (e.g. USA)

If you are importing a boat from outside the EU, the process is a little more complicated and involves:

• Payment of customs duties and VAT (22%)
• Mandatory customs declaration
• Certificates of origin
• Compliance review according to EU standards

Boat registration in Slovenia

After successful transportation and customs clearance of the boat, every vessel that will be used in Slovenian waters must be registered at the Maritime Administration of the Republic of Slovenia (MAS).

Registration conditions

You will need the following documents for registration:

• Owner's personal document
• Proof of payment of all fees
• Technical report or boat inspection
• CE mark (if it is a newer boat)
• Insurance policy

Registration is done at the harbour master's office or via the URSP web portal.

Important factors when choosing a boat to import

Before you start importing, it is very important to choose the right vessel. To make the process easier and reduce costs, consider the following:

Is the boat certified for use in the EU?

Boats that do not comply with EU regulations will require additional modifications and certifications, which means more costs and time.

Transport costs and costs

You need to transport the boat to Slovenia, which is often not cheap. Use verified shipping or road carriers who are familiar with the legislation and procedures for transporting vessels.

How much does it cost to import a boat?

The final cost of importing a boat to Slovenia depends on several factors, including:

• Purchase price of the boat
• Customs and taxes (if importing from outside the EU)
• Transportation and insurance during transport
• Costs of homologation (if required)
• Registration and technical inspection fees

Example of a rough calculation

For example, if you are importing a boat from Italy worth €15,000, you will have additional costs for transportation (approximately €500–1,000), possible homologation procedures (from €300), and registration (approximately €200–300). If it is a boat from the USA, add 22% VAT and customs duties (around €1.7–2.7%) to the shipping costs.

Conclusion: Is importing a boat to Slovenia the right decision?

Although importing a boat to Slovenia can be quite complicated, for many boating enthusiasts this is a great opportunity to acquire a quality boat at a good price. It is important to take the time to research, choose the right boat, and follow all the required procedures. It is also a good idea to consider working with a professional or company that has experience with imports.

With good preparation and the right information, the experience can become simple and carefree, and the boat will soon be ready for a new adventure in Slovenian waters.