Latvia

Used Household Goods and Personal Effects

Documents Required

• Copy of passport
• Diplomatic franchise (diplomats)
• Detailed inventory in English
• Pro-forma invoice with values
• Formal letter to Customs with detailed information about reasons of moving into Latvia (the first time or return, temporary move or permanent, etc.)
• Letter of employment (foreigners)
• Copy of employment contract (foreigners)
• Rental agreement (foreigners) / proof of real estate ownership (returning citizens or EU citizens from outside the EU)
• Proof of living abroad from origin shipping country of European Union (EU) for a period of at least 12 months) (returning citizens, EU citizens from outside the EU)

 

Specific Information

• The shipment must arrive within 12 months of the owner of the goods’ arrival.
• Diplomats may import household shipments duty free.
• Returning citizens may import household shipments duty free if having lived abroad for at least 12 months.
• Returning citizens must present a letter issued by the Repatriation Centre of Latvian Citizenship and Migration Affairs of their status and may import household shipments duty free.
• If the owner of the goods is not a resident of Latvia, they must have a residence and work permit before arriving to Latvia.
  • If these documents are not present at the time of Customs clearance, the shipment will be delayed.
• For shipments entering by roadway, Customs must be notified and receive documents at least 1 hour prior to shipment arrival.

 

Motor Vehicles

Documents Required

• Technical passport
• Proof of ownership for a period of at least 6 months

 

Specific Information

• Motor vehicles must be registered in the owner of the goods’ name.
• Motor vehicles may enter duty free only if owned and operated for a minimum of 6 months and the vehicle meets European requirements.
• The vehicle must have a valid license plate and third party liability (TPL) insurance policy valid within the entire territory of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.

 

Pets

Documents Required

• Rabies vaccination certificate valid for 12 months (dogs)
• Original international vaccination book
• Certificate of origin
• Veterinary health certificate in English or Latvian

 

Specific Information

• The veterinary health certificate must be issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of import.

 

Antiques, Artifacts, Carpets, Paintings

• Antiques and artwork:
  • All antiques and artwork must be declared.
  • Two photographs for each item need to accompany documentation.
  • Contact the destination agent for specific information.

 

Restricted/Dutiable Items

• Weapons:
  • For the import of personal arms, hunting weapons, gas pistols (revolvers) and munitions, the owner of the goods must apply for a license at the Home Affairs Ministry Police Department.
  • The license must be obtained prior to import as a valid firearms license from abroad must be presented upon entry.
• Medications:
  • The owner of the goods can import all medicines as long as the owner of the goods can provide proof that they are for personal use only.
  • It is recommended to attach a doctor’s prescription to prove the necessity.
  • Drugs and psychotropic substances, as well as equipment for the use of them, cannot be imported.
• Alcohol:
  • The import of alcohol is restricted.
  • Some exceptions may be allowed depending on the mode of transport used to enter the country.
  • Contact the destination agent for specific information.
• Excise goods:
  • Excise goods such as tobacco, coffee, lemonade, etc. may be restricted.
  • Contract the destination agent for specific information.
• Fur and hunting trophies:
  • A license is required for import.

 

Prohibited Items

• Pornographic materials
• Narcotics and illegal drugs
• Subversive materials

 

Consignment Instructions

Recommended:  Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.