How France is dealing with abandoned boats

Since 2015 French law has required manufacturers and distributors of pleasure craft in France to pay a levy on new boats sold to contribute to their end of life disposal and recycling. Boat registration is also compulsory in France.

L’APER (Association pour la Plaisance Eco-Responsable) was created in 2019. It is a not for profit organisation funded by the new boat levy and an annual boat tax (the DAFN).

•32 boat recycling yards across France.

•11,000 boats dismantled and recycled since 2019.

•74% material to waste to energy or recycled.

•FREE to end of life boat owners.

About the French boat tax

The TAEMUP (formerly DAFN) annual boat tax in France contributes to the French lifeboat service (SNSM), marine conservation and L’APER boat recycling scheme. The tax is based on the size of the boat and engine power. It is paid by pleasure craft over 7 meters (or less than 7 meters with engine more than 22 administrative HP). The tax reduces with age of the boat: -33% for boats 11 to 21 years old, -55% for boats 21 to 26 years old, -80% for boats older than 26. There are exemptions for sailing schools and boats of heritage interest.

A 10m boat with an 35hp engine would pay EU254 per year.

It raises around EU45million per year.

The new boat levy and annual tax spreads the cost of scrapage and recycling over the life of a boat. A funding model which relies on end of life owners paying up is unlikely to work. End of life owners may not have the money to pay and scrappage costs should be the responsibility of all who have enjoyed the use of a boat throughout its life.