Latvia

Latvia Customs Contact Information

Address: Talents iela 1, Rīga, LV-1978 Tālrunis 67122689

Telephone: +371 80009070 / +371 6700 1898

Latvia is a country rich in timber resources, therefore trade is dominated by lumber. But it's not all the country has to offer for export, as it also produces chocolates, telecommunication products, locomotives, tram cars and dairy products.

Latvia's lucky geographical position is perfectly suited for global trade and it deals with the following countries: Lithuania, Russia, Estonia and Germany.

In accordance with the EU principles of free movement of goods and the European Trade and Customs Union, Latvian economic operators benefit from preferential trade procedures with other EU Member States. Customs borders between member states of EU are replaced by random customs control by mobile customs control units. Goods purchased from within the EU are not subject to customs declarations and VAT payment at the border. Supplies of goods between member states are not treated as import or export, but as free circulation. According to the Community Customs Code, community goods are:

goods fully produced in the EU, without any raw materials from third countries
goods imported from third countries which have been released for free circulation in the EU customs zone
goods produced in the EU customs zone from the above goods.

Customs duty is applied to goods imported from or exported to third countries. Upon the release of goods for free circulation in the EU customs area, Common External Tariffs are applied, meaning that the same duty is applied for import into any EU Member State. The amount of import duty applied depends on the classification and origin of the goods and is stipulated in EU legislation. VAT and other taxes, if applicable, are applied to imported goods only in the country where the goods are released for consumption.

The origin of goods may be preferential or non-preferential. Goods of preferential origin can apply for lowered or zero customs duty. The EU has concluded agreements granting preferential treatment to goods traded with the countries of the European Economic Area, Mediterranean and African countries, the western Balkans and others.

Importers of goods can acquire EU tariff quotas permitting importers to import certain amount of goods in certain periods of time for lowered or zero customs duty. Importers can obtain tariff quotas applicable to specific goods or specific goods from a specific country.

Other contacts:

Export control policy and legislation

Ms Agnese Kalnina, Head of Strategic Goods Export Control Division

Phone: +371 6701 6426

Fax: +371 6728 4836

E-mail: agnese.kalnina@mfa.gov.lv

Expertise of goods

Nauris Rumpe, Senior Desk Officer - Expert

Phone: +371 6701 6430

Fax: +371 6728 4836

E-mail: nauris.rumpe@mfa.gov.lv

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