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Taxation of pleasure boating to support the nautical industry
Like the rest of the French economy, the nautical industry is impacted by the economic consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic. While the government has already set out a number of sector-specific measures, the French Nautical Industries Federation (FIN) does not want to be left by the wayside, and is proposing to elected representatives that a financing mechanism be put in place. "The symbolic idea is that the taxation of yachting should be used for the industry. The DAFN (NDLR: droit annuel de francisation des navires) and the yachting license together bring in around 60 M?. We'd like to see 25%, or ?15 million, dedicated to the industry," explains Fabien Métayer, the association's general delegate.
The DAFN already finances the yacht dismantling industry to the tune of 3% (a share that is expected to grow) and the Conservatoire Naturel du Littoral. The share targeted by the FIN is that which still comes under the general State budget.
Anticipating the post-season and boat shows
The Association is looking for answers to raise the profile of the nautical professions. "We're currently in the eye of the storm, with a moderate recovery, but we need to anticipate difficulties. Now is the time to shape support systems to better absorb the economic shock of the post-season. We had already started the discussion in other ways, but we decided to make our proposals public so as to get answers before the summer", Fabien Métayer explains.
The funds raised are intended to help the industrial sector. Two main mechanisms are envisaged. Support for the French boat shows of Cannes, Grand Pavois and Nautic will enable professionals to exhibit at lower cost. "The aim is to reduce exhibition and transport costs by 25%, while maintaining the quality of the shows," explains Fabien Métayer.
To support exports, French shipyards taking part in international trade shows such as Boot Dusseldorf, the Miami show or METS Trade would benefit from state financial aid.
Complementary to tourism aid
The new scheme complements the one recently obtained for nautical companies linked to the tourism industry. La FIN recently indicated that it had obtained the addition to the list of beneficiaries of the government's Tourism Plan of yachting businesses directly linked to the industry, such as boat rental companies. "These are 2 complementary aspects. What remains unresolved is the fate of businesses connected to tourism but not totally dependent on it. We're currently looking into a third-party mechanism to validate this degree of dependence," concludes FIN's General Delegate.
