Choosing an ECPY yacht charter can be beneficial in many ways. The European Committee for Professional Yachting (ECPY) is a committee of international professionals within the yachting industry that aims to bring together all parts of the industry (brokers, shipyards, owners, etc).
ECPY at a Glance
- ECPY = European Committee for Professional Yachting
- International industry body representing brokers, owners, shipyards & operators
- Creator of the ECPY Transport Agreement for qualifying yacht charters
- Duty-free fuel & reduced VAT opportunities
- Best suited for fixed, longer itineraries
- Particularly beneficial for charter cruises between France and Italy
- Requires strict itinerary planning and professional broker oversight
- Significant cost savings vs standard MYBA charter contracts
- Not all yachts or owners accept ECPY agreements; expert guidance is essential
- Best suited for experienced charterers seeking maximum value and transparency
- Offered only by ECPY-member yacht charter brokers
- 212 Yachts is both ECPY and MYBA accredited, ensuring compliant, expert execution
What is ECPY?
ECPY is the European Committee for Professional Yachting. This association is in place to negotiate in the best interest of the Yachting industry. Additionally, ECPY establish regulations and industry standards that facilitate a fair and balanced evolution of the industry.
Summary of Why You Should Choose an ECPY Broker
A yacht charter broker who is an ECPY member ensures that you get the best deals possible. With access to an ECPY transport agreement, you can take part in tax exemptions and reductions, meaning you get a cheaper experience, at the same amount of luxury.
Note that a transport agreement is stricter than a MYBA contract, which is why the tax reduction is allowed.
Furthermore, an ECPY broker makes certain that the whole process follows the rules and regulations, allowing you a safe, stress-free and fair journey on board your yacht charter rental.
Why ECPY Matters in Today’s Yachting Market
ECPY is the voice of the yachting industry on the international stage. They provide a voice and negotiate for yachting best practices and tax exemptions so as not to divert the tourism and attractiveness of yachting hubs like the Côte d’Azur.
Unlike the more flexible MYBA charter contract, the ECPY transport agreement prioritises cost efficiency through fixed itineraries and tax advantages.
How it serves you
ECPY is not only for the yachting industry professionals. It is also for the client to ensure you get the best experience with the best deal possible.
ECPY created the ECPY Transport contract in order to get a cheaper way to charter yachts without the high VAT and fuel costs.
It is perfect for you who already have a set itinerary and want a bit of a cheaper option to your luxury yacht charter itinerary.
How to check if your Broker is an ECPY Member
The yachting industry is full of people wanting to take advantage of high-value clients and high-value transactions. Meaning, the importance of careful consideration when choosing your yacht charter broker is vital.
Choosing a trusted ECPY Member is a safeguard and proof of the seriousness and dedication of the brokerage to the industry. This means that they do not only show an interest in the benefit and value of the yacht charter business but also in the client and their best interest.
To best check if a Yacht Charter Brokerage is an ECPY Member, click this link to go to the ECPY Website, where you can search amongst their over 160 members.
What is an ECPY Transport Agreement?
The ECPY Transport Agreement was created to benefit from the rescinded TICPE (excise duty on fuel) exception, as well as a large or even a total exemption from VAT.
For this to be possible, they had to create a new agreement under a Transport and Services Agreement for yachts. This created the ECPY Transport Agreement.
For the agreement to be able to benefit from these exemptions and large reductions, the broker and captain must very rigidly outline any itinerary, fuel consumption, as well as embarkation and disembarkation.
These all will then allow the captain to partake in highly subsidised fuel, as well as being able to enjoy the large reduction or full exemption from VAT.
For more information on what exactly your broker and captain need to create an ECPY transport agreement for your next yacht charter, enquire with us today for a bespoke consultation, no strings attached.
An ECPY Transport Agreement is between the charterer, the broker, the stakeholder and the yacht owner. This contact is rigid and has to involve an exact itinerary. With this, you can partake in subsidised fuel as well as reduced VAT on the yacht charter.
Yes and No, to charter a yacht, you will need to either have signed and completed a Transport agreement (ECPY) or a MYBA Charter contract. But signing an ECPY transport agreement explicitly is not mandatory, and an agreement that not all yacht owners allow.
For anyone who wants a more flexible itinerary, you should not choose an ECPY yacht charter. Instead, you should probably choose a standard MYBA Charter contract that allows you to be more flexible while still ensuring you are protected as a guest on board.
Information and tips from our 212 Yachts Team
Based on insights from our most experienced yacht charter broker, who manages over 25 ECPY transport agreements each year, the ECPY transport agreement is best suited to longer charters with fixed itineraries. The route is contractual and can only be changed up to one month before departure.
Unlike a MYBA contract, the charter fee under an ECPY agreement consists of a service package, which is the charter fee plus pre-calculated fuel. This is all outlined and defined in advance.
The rigid structure allows for duty-free fuel and reduced or zero VAT. If a charter starts in France and enters Italy, VAT is 0%. If it stays in France, VAT is reduced to 10%.
ECPY agreements offer significant cost savings but are not ideal for guests seeking flexibility. Some ports do not provide duty-free fuel, meaning captains may hold a higher APA as a precaution.
With the right broker, however, these details will be carefully managed. At 212 Yachts, our experience ensures you receive clear guidance, full transparency, and the best possible value for your itinerary.
Want to know more about ECPY Yacht Charters?
Are you interested in hearing more about ECPY yacht charters and what yachts might be available for your desired itinerary? 212 Yachts are here to help you with all your ECPY and yacht charter needs.
For more information, contact us at info@212-yachts.com or call us on +33 4 92 95 83 06 for a commitment-free yacht charter consultation with one of our experts.
ECPY Yacht Charter FAQ’s
ECPY is an association in yachting which brings together and negotiates for the yachting industry. They represent the yachting industry on the international arena. This has also allowed for the creation of the ECPY Transport agreement, which can heavily subsidise yacht charters.
No, not all yacht brokers are ECPY members. To see if a brokerage is an ECPY member, you can look at their website under members and search for the company you wish to check.
Yes, 212 Yachts are proud ECPY and MYBA Members. This proves our professionalism as well as dedication to excellence on board and ashore.
No, every yacht owner does not accept an ECPY transport agreement. Most yacht owners only allow for MYBA Contracts. Ask your broker if you explicitly want an ECPY transport agreement, and they will find the best-suited options for you.
There are two main differences between an ECPY Transport Agreement and a MYBA Charter Contract. Firstly, ECPY allows for duty-free fuel, as well as providing large reductions or full exemptions of VAT, making for a lower cost charter. MYBA does not allow for the above; a MYBA contact is much more flexible and allows you to change and tweak your itinerary whenever (within reason), which an ECPY transport agreement does not.
