TTM03905 - Qualifying companies and ships: Flagging - excepted years

FA00/SCH22/PARA22B (2) and FA00/SCH22/PARA22C

These EU/EEA 'flagging' rules were repealed by FA22/S25 (6) and (7) with effect from 1 April 2022

The test for whether or not the overall proportion of ships in tonnage tax registered in member states had increased was based upon the average over a rolling three year period.  The calculation proceeded on the proportion based upon the gross registered tonnage of ships in tonnage tax at 1 October, based upon returns made to the Department for Transport.

If the proportion had not decreased on average over a three year period, then the Treasury might make an order so that a Financial Year is an ‘excepted’ year.

Where an order was made, the detailed legislation at FA00/SCH22/PARA22A did not apply and when an individual company or group started to operate a new vessel then where that ship was registered did not affect whether or not it was a qualifying vessel for tonnage tax purposes.

The financial years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2018 and 2019 were excepted years.

For guidance on relevant registers, previously 'member state registers' see TTM03945.

References

FA00/SCH22/PARA22B

TTM17131

FA00/SCH22/PARA22C

TTM17136