Latvia plans to ban imports of a number of goods from Russia and Belarus in support of Ukraine
Kyiv • UNN
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia has prepared a draft law banning the import of certain industrial goods from Russia and Belarus. The ban will apply to books, clothing and other goods that are not subject to EU sanctions.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia has prepared amendments to the law on support for the civilian population of Ukraine, which provide for a ban on the import of certain industrial goods of Russian and Belarusian origin. This is reported by Delfi, writes UNN.
Details
According to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Baiba Braže, the draft law is currently at the coordination stage. It is expected that the government will consider it next week, and the Saeima – at an extraordinary session on July 23.
The document provides for a ban on the import into Latvia of certain industrial goods both directly from Russia and Belarus and through third countries if they are of Russian or Belarusian origin. At the same time, the transit of such goods through the territory of Latvia to other countries of the European Union is not planned to be restricted.
Which goods may be subject to the ban
The list of goods will not be enshrined in the law – it is planned to be determined by separate regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers according to the codes of the Combined Nomenclature. The draft law will apply to products that have not yet been subject to EU sanctions, customs restrictions or other trade measures.
Among the first groups of goods that may be subject to the ban are books, newspapers, video games, sports goods, toys, clothing and footwear. According to the explanatory note, in 2025, imports of these goods from Russia and Belarus amounted to 12.5 million euros, which equals 6.5% of the corresponding imports and 0.05% of Latvia's total import volume.
The authors of the draft law note that its goal is to reduce economic ties with Russia and Belarus, reduce their export revenues, and also reduce risks to Latvia's national security. After the law comes into force, the Cabinet of Ministers will annually assess the impact of the ban and, if necessary, make a decision on its extension.