Since 2019, EU law requires ship operators and port suppliers to hold a written statement confirming a vessel's 0% VAT status. VesselStatement.com makes that obligation fast, accurate, and stress-free — for a single vessel or an entire fleet.
I want 1 vessel tax statement now I want to update my fleetLegal background
In 2018, the European Commission tightened the definition of seagoing vessels eligible for the 0% VAT rate. EU court rulings now mandate that operators and suppliers must hold a formal written statement — updated every calendar year — confirming the applicable VAT-exempt status of each cargo vessel.
Countries including the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and France have issued specific guidance in line with these rulings. The administrative burden falls on you — unless you have the right system in place.
Read MoreNational tax authorities can levy fines if valid vessel statements are not held at the time of audit.
Previously exempt transactions may be reclassified and assessed for VAT, potentially amounting to significant sums.
EU customs agencies now use AIS data and the SafeSeaNet database to systematically verify vessel movement histories, making non-compliance harder to miss.
Requirements
According to the Dutch tax authority — one of the most active enforcers in this area — a valid vessel statement must meet minimum prescribed criteria. The statement is form-free, meaning there is no official government template.
VesselStatement.com provides a structured, legally reviewed format that meets all requirements — so you never have to wonder if your paperwork will hold up under scrutiny.
Who we serve
VesselStatement.com serves every party in the EU maritime supply chain that carries a vessel VAT obligation.
Maintain compliant VAT statements for every vessel in your fleet. Bulk issuance and annual renewal reminders keep you covered without repetitive admin.
Handle documentation across multiple vessels and clients from a single dashboard. Generate statements per vessel or fleet-wide in one workflow.
Suppliers of goods and services in EU ports must also hold vessel statements from the operators they serve. Request, store, and verify statements directly through the platform.
How it works
From registration to download, the entire process takes minutes — not hours.
Get My Statement Now Register My FleetCreate your account and add your company details once. VesselStatement.com stores your information securely for future renewals.
Enter vessel IMO numbers, operator details, and operating history. The platform guides you through each required field.
Receive a compliant, signed-ready vessel statement document. Download, store, and share with port authorities or suppliers instantly.
We remind you when renewal is due. Pre-filled with last year's data, the annual update takes minutes — not hours.
Why VesselStatement.com
This is not a generic document tool adapted for maritime use. Every feature on VesselStatement.com was designed with EU vessel VAT obligations as the starting point.
Register Your BusinessAligned with Dutch, Belgian, and German tax authority requirements and updated as rulings evolve.
From a one-off tax statement to multi-vessel fleet management — the platform scales with your operation.
Supports documentation of the 70% seagoing criterion using AIS records and voyage history.
Never miss a compliance deadline. The platform alerts you when your statement is due for renewal.
All statements stored in one place — accessible for audits, supplier requests, or port authority checks at any time.
FAQ
Stay compliant. Reduce administrative burden. Protect your business from VAT liability.
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Have a question about vessel statements, your account, or EU VAT compliance? We're here to help.