FINAL CONFERENCES FOCUSED ON TAX REGULATIONS AND POLICING THE SEA
SAILING ONCE AGAIN TOOK CENTRE STAGE AT THE TEATRO DEL MARE: WOMEN’S SAILING ACADEMY AND CROSSING ROUTES
The sixth and last day for the ForumUCINA calendar at the 58th Genoa International Boat Show, a day traditionally dedicated to tax regulations, opened with “Tax and Yachting”, this year organised in partnership with the National Council of Chartered Accountants and Accounting Experts (CNDCEC) and with the participation of the Customs Agency.
“The institutional dialogue between UCINA, the Italian Marine Industry Association, and the Italian Revenue Agency continues” – stated Dr Ernesto Carbone, Director of customs legislation and procedures and the Customs Agency. “Confirming the mutual availability to identify a simplified procedure, specifically designed with boating businesses in mind for obtaining the AEO (Authorised Economic Operator certification)”.
“We have put together a certification procedure for verifying all critical factors necessary “ – explained Vice President of UCINA, Maurizio Balducci – “and now, in partnership with the Customs Agency we are ready to introduce a guide for obtaining the status of AEO”.
With the AEO certification it is possible to reduce the guaranteed shipyards are forced to provide when carrying out refitting work on units flying flags from outside the EU. Another front the Association is working on is that of lowering the average amount of the guarantees.
“With regards to the Revenue Agency we are still working on obtaining a clear definition of Offshore sailing which allows for VAT exemption for commercial activities” – explained Ezio Vannucci, Moores Rowland partner -. “In the meantime, we have put together a form for declaring Offshore sailing which depends on the Revenue Agency’s approval and which is available to UCINA Partners “.
Vannucci will present the English edition of Nautica&Fisco – Italy Tax&Yachting – during the 2018 Monaco Yacht Show, a guide for enthusiasts and operators created by the Revenue Agency and UCINA.
Paolo Ravà, President of Genoa’s Order of Chartered Accountants and Accounting Experts, followed by Giuseppe Laurino, National CNDCEC Councillor, delegate for Business Activity, presented the contents of the Agreement Protocol, signed at the outset of the Genoa International Boat Show, between Italy’s Marine Industry Association UCINA and the National Council of Chartered Accountants and Accounting Experts. Included in the agreement are the following: the joint organisation with regards to a mutual involvement in scientific and cultural events along with events that concern taxation in the marine, boating and leisure economy; the execution of studies regarding business activities; specific analyses of technical and/or professional issues which concern the industry; the creation of common proposals for reviewing current regulations.
Carla Demaria concluded: “This is a strategic agreement for the Association since it will allow us to coordinate our institutional representative activities as a national Association for the industry with the professional experience of the Order of Accountants, while also allowing for joint training activities with these same professionals”.
Sailing was yet again at the heart of the Boat Show’s Teatro del Mare (Sea Theatre) throughout the sixth day. Events kicked off with sailors from the Women’s Sailing Academy Team who spoke about maintaining a healthy environment and respecting the sea.
Next up was the presentation of Crossing Routes which aims to build “a different sailing team” while combining passion for sailing with the mission driving the project: prove with the accomplishments of a crew that integrating disabilities is as doable at sea as it is in everyday life. The project was presented during the International Sailing Week at the Livorno Naval Academy, which took place in April this year. Since then the crew has taken part in many races such as the “100 Miglia di Montecristo”, “151 Miglia”, “Rolex Giraglia 2018”, “Cinque Terre National Park Regatta – Sea future”, and the “Palermo Montecarlo”.
The Teatro del Mare programme ended with a press conference about “Policing the Sea” presented by the Guardia di Finanza and by Brigade General Francesco Mattana, Regional Commander for Liguria, along with Brigade General Joselito Minuto (Chief of the General Command Operations Centre).
During the Conference, speakers underlined the important commitments made by the Guardia di Finanza as sole Police Force in keeping order and maintaining public safety at sea. Specifically, with regards to policing the sea, the areas of intervention assigned to the Guardia di Finanza include primarily sea rescue missions, coordinated by the local Coast Guards.