Latvia
LV · LVA
As of: 7/24/2026
Baltischer Transit- und Hafenhub an der EU-Aussengrenze zu Russland und Belarus
Capital: Riga
EU / Eurozone / SchengenSeefrachtStrasseSchieneLuftfrachtImport VAT: Einfuhr-MwSt (PVN) 21 Prozent NormalsatzCustoms: mittelRisk: mittelPharma/Cold Chain: mittelDangerous Goods: mittelE-Commerce: mittel bis hoch
Overview
Latvia (LV) is a Baltic EU and eurozone state on the Baltic Sea, acting as a transit and port hub on the EU external border with Russia and Belarus. As an EU member, Latvia is part of the customs union and single market; customs clearance runs electronically through the VID tax authority's EMDAS system (AIS for imports, AES for exports), and import VAT is 21 percent (reduced rates 12 and 5 percent). The main gateways are the free ports of Riga — the largest port in the Baltics — and Ventspils, the port of Liepaja in the special economic zone, and Riga International Airport (RIX) with the Baltic Cargo Hub. Key corridors are the Via Baltica (E67) Tallinn–Riga–Warsaw, the A6 towards Daugavpils and the broad-gauge network (1520 mm) eastward; the standard-gauge Rail Baltica line is under construction. Main exports are timber, food and machinery; imports include machinery, vehicles and chemicals. Key trading partners are Lithuania, Estonia, Germany and Sweden. Eastbound transit has fallen sharply due to sanctions.
Mentioned countries
Area64,559 km²
Population1,857,000
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Economic areaEU / Eurozone / Schengen
ContinentEuropa
ReligionsLutheranismus, Katholizismus, Orthodoxie, Baptismus
ISO codeLV / LVA
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
Valsts ieņēmumu dienests (VID) - Zollverwaltung (Muitas pārvalde)Import system
EU-Zollkodex (UCC); nationales System EMDAS mit Automated Import System (AIS); summarische Eingangsanmeldung über ICS2.
Export system
EMDAS mit Automated Export System (AES) für Ausfuhr und Wiederausfuhr; eingebunden in das EU-Ausfuhrsystem AES.
Import VAT
- Einfuhr-MwSt (PVN) 21 Prozent Normalsatz
- ermässigt 12 und 5 Prozent
- temporär 12 Prozent auf Grundnahrungsmittel (Pilot 7/2026–6/2027)
- Erhebung durch VID.
Customs complexitymittel
Import documents
- Handelsrechnung
- Frachtbrief (CMR / Bill of Lading / Air Waybill)
- Packliste
- Zollanmeldung (AIS / EMDAS)
- Ursprungsnachweis (bei Präferenz)
- Einfuhrlizenz (bei beschränkten Gütern)
Export documents
- Handelsrechnung
- Packliste
- Ausfuhranmeldung (AES / EMDAS)
- EUR.1 / Ursprungserklärung
- Ausfuhrgenehmigung (bei Dual-Use oder Sanktionen)
Origin proofs / FTA
Als EU-Mitglied Zugang zu allen EU-Freihandelsabkommen; Ursprungsnachweise EUR.1, Ursprungserklärung und REX-System sowie Lieferantenerklärungen.
Restricted & prohibited goods
EU-weite Verbote und Beschränkungen; umfangreiche Sanktionslisten für Waren aus und nach Russland und Belarus; Genehmigungspflicht für Waffen und Dual-Use-Güter.
Export controls & sanctions
EU-Dual-Use-Verordnung 2021/821; EU-Sanktionen gegen Russland und Belarus; Einreiseverbot für Belarus-Fahrzeuge seit 16.7.2024.
Without warranty — always verify with freight forwarder/customs agent and official authorities.
Customs / Import / Export (EU) — General process
Quick operational overview for shipments to the EU. The EU is a customs union; for imports from non‑EU countries, customs clearance and import VAT are typically key topics.
Documents (typical)
- Commercial invoice (description, value, Incoterms)
- Packing list (weights, dimensions, packages)
- HS code / tariff classification (duties/taxes and restrictions)
- Importer EORI and (where relevant) origin/preference documents
- Transport documents (AWB / Bill of Lading) depending on mode
Process (simplified)
- Prepare export (docs, HS code, origin/preference)
- Import clearance at the EU entry customs office (declaration, possible checks)
- Release and delivery; import VAT/duties based on classification and value
Important: Requirements depend on goods, origin, Incoterms, value, and consignee. When in doubt, confirm with your broker/forwarder and official sources.
Official links
Note: regional/general sources. Country-specific authority links will be added iteratively.
Trade
Freight Infrastructure & Transport Network
Transport relevance
Air
mediumSea
highRoad
highRail
highInland Waterway
n/aCargo airports
- Riga International Airport (RIX / EVRA)
Seaports / access ports
- Freihafen Riga (grösster Hafen des Baltikums)
- Freihafen Ventspils
- Hafen Liepaja (Sonderwirtschaftszone)
Road corridors & border crossings
- Via Baltica (E67) Tallinn-Riga-Kaunas-Warschau
- A6 Riga-Daugavpils-Grenze Belarus
Rail corridors
- Rail Baltica (Normalspur 1435 mm, im Bau)
- Breitspur-Ost-West-Korridor (1520 mm)
Top trade lanes
- Litauen-Lettland
- Deutschland-Lettland
- Estland-Lettland
- Skandinavien-Lettland (Ostsee)
- Polen-Lettland
Risk & Operational Notes
Logistics riskmittel
Customs delay riskmittel
Port congestion riskniedrig
Risk notes
Grenze zu Russland und Belarus; strenge Sanktionskontrollen an der EU-Aussengrenze; Russland- und Belarus-Transit stark rückläufig.
Seasonal & weather risks
Kalte Winter; Ostseehäfen benötigen zeitweise Eisbrecher-Unterstützung; ansonsten ganzjährig betriebsfähig.
Current logistics notes
Russland hat zum 1.7.2026 die Bahn-Grenzübergänge zu Lettland (Pytalovo/Karsava) geschlossen; Ost-Bahntransit praktisch eingestellt, LDz Cargo baut Personal ab. Häfen und RIX-Luftfracht laufen normal. (Stand 2026-07-24)
As of: 2026-07-24
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
Public holidays
As of: Jul 24, 2026
| Date | Holiday | Type | Customs closed | Transport affected | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2026 | New Year's Day | National | |||
| Apr 3, 2026 | Good Friday | National | |||
| Apr 5, 2026 | Easter Sunday | National | |||
| Apr 6, 2026 | Easter Monday | National | |||
| May 1, 2026 | Labour Day / Convocation of the Constituent Assembly | National | |||
| May 4, 2026 | Restoration of Independence Day | National | |||
| May 10, 2026 | Mother's Day | National | |||
| May 24, 2026 | Whit Sunday | National | |||
| Jun 23, 2026 | Midsummer's Eve (Ligo) | National | |||
| Jun 24, 2026 | Midsummer Day (Jani) | National | |||
| Nov 18, 2026 | Proclamation Day of the Republic of Latvia | National | |||
| Dec 24, 2026 | Christmas Eve | National | |||
| Dec 25, 2026 | Christmas Day | National | |||
| Dec 26, 2026 | Second Day of Christmas | National | |||
| Dec 31, 2026 | New Year's Eve | National |
New Year's Day
Jan 1, 2026
Customs closed
Good Friday
Apr 3, 2026
Customs closed
Easter Sunday
Apr 5, 2026
Customs closed
Easter Monday
Apr 6, 2026
Customs closed
Labour Day / Convocation of the Constituent Assembly
May 1, 2026
Customs closed
Restoration of Independence Day
May 4, 2026
Customs closed
Mother's Day
May 10, 2026
Whit Sunday
May 24, 2026
Midsummer's Eve (Ligo)
Jun 23, 2026
Customs closed
Midsummer Day (Jani)
Jun 24, 2026
Customs closed
Proclamation Day of the Republic of Latvia
Nov 18, 2026
Customs closed
Christmas Eve
Dec 24, 2026
Customs closed
Christmas Day
Dec 25, 2026
Customs closed
Second Day of Christmas
Dec 26, 2026
Customs closed
New Year's Eve
Dec 31, 2026
Customs closed
Sources: Likums 'Par svētku, atceres un atzīmējamām dienām' / Ārlietu ministrija
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Seaports in this country
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Sources & Data Confidence
hochVerified: 2026-07-24
Official sources
- vid.gov.lv
- rop.lv
- stat.gov.lv
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
FAQ
Which customs system does Latvia use?
Latvia applies the EU Customs Code (UCC). The customs board of the VID tax authority runs the electronic EMDAS system: imports are declared through the Automated Import System (AIS), exports through the Automated Export System (AES), and entry summary data via ICS2.
What is the import VAT rate in Latvia?
The standard VAT (PVN) rate is 21 percent. Reduced rates of 12 and 5 percent apply to certain goods. Import VAT is collected by the VID tax authority; intra-EU supplies and exports are zero-rated.
Which ports and airports handle the cargo?
The main seaports are the free ports of Riga (the largest port in the Baltics) and Ventspils, plus the port of Liepaja in the special economic zone. The main air freight hub is Riga International Airport (RIX) with the Baltic Cargo Hub.
What is the impact of EU sanctions against Russia and Belarus?
As an EU external border, Latvia enforces EU sanctions strictly. Exports of dual-use and many other goods to Russia and Belarus are banned; since 16 July 2024 vehicles registered in Belarus may no longer enter. East-west transit has fallen sharply as a result.
Does Latvia benefit from the EU single market for trade?
Yes. As an EU and eurozone member, Latvia is part of the customs union and single market: goods move duty-free with other EU states. For third countries the EU common external tariff applies, along with EU free trade agreements using proofs of origin such as EUR.1 or REX.
Which transport routes connect Latvia with Europe?
By road, the Via Baltica (E67) is the main corridor from Tallinn through Riga to Poland. In rail, a broad-gauge network (1520 mm) runs eastward; the EU project Rail Baltica is building a continuous standard-gauge link (1435 mm) to Central Europe.
What seasonal risks affect supply chains?
Winters are cold; the Baltic Sea ports may temporarily need icebreaker support but generally remain operable year-round. Major weather-related closures are rare.
Which trade partners are important for Latvia?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for Latvia?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
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