A great good idea, the one expressed by John Ceccarelli (the president of As.Pro.Na.Di., the Recreational Boating Designers Association). One idea worth spreading: establish a kind of point ranking to calculate the potential environmental impact of a boat for sale, and accordingly apply the VAT regime proportionally. Simply put, “ultra-green” boat could be matched by 10% VAT instead of the canonical 22%.
FEW BENEFITS, MANY BENEFITS
Reasoning in absolute terms, the revenue generated by the boating industry is modest, the designer argues in an interview conducted by Sailing&Travel. So the resulting decrease in tax revenues for the state would be laughable: in contrast to the substantial and immediate benefits for boat owners and especially for the environment.
HOW TO ESTABLISH IF A BOAT IS “ECO”
To establish the eco-friendliness of a boat, according to Ceccarelli, it is necessary to draw up a list of requirements to adhere to: the more “gremì” the solutions chosen, the more points the boat will score and thus the lower the value-added tax to be paid at the time of purchase. To the satisfaction of the shipowner, who will have to shell out less money, and of the seller, who by lowering the price will be more competitive than the shipyard that decides not to follow the dictates green
THE EXAMPLE IS ALREADY THERE
In classification, the example to follow already exists and it is the “Green Star” certification carried out by RINA, which evaluates, for recreational boats, parameters such as gray water, sewage, waste treatment, sources of sea pollution (e.g. antifouling) etc… The suggestion is valid, Mr. Ceccarelli. We spread it hoping it will reach the ears of some politicians! What do you think?
