Forwarding Latvia Germany – Transport and customs clearance with Atlantis

Electronic customs declaration in Latvia

In Latvia there are various types of customs declaration that can be used for the import and export of goods. Most customs declarations in Latvia are preferably processed electronically.

However, electronic customs declaration also brings with it some challenges. Atlantis Customs Spedition is always informed about all the specific requirements and prerequisites of the respective declaration forms and ensures that all relevant regulations are complied with.

What types of electronic customs declaration are there in Latvia?

Here are the main types of electronic customs declarations in Latvia:

• Import Declaration
• Export Declaration
• Transit Declaration
• Simplified Declaration
• Consolidated Declaration
• Entry Summary Declaration (ENS)
• Exit Summary Declaration (EXS)
• Customs Warehousing Declaration
• Inward Processing Declaration
• Outward Processing Declaration

What challenges are there with electronic customs declaration in Latvia?

We can professionally handle the following challenges for you when filing electronic customs declarations in Latvia:

• Complexity of regulations
• System compatibility
• Technical failures
• Data quality and accuracy
• Training requirements
• Security and data protection requirements
• Adaptation to legal changes
• Cooperation with trading partners and authorities
• Costs for implementation and maintenance
• Time required for processing and submission

Customs documentation in Latvia

Which documents and proofs are required for customs documentation in Latvia?

For correct and complete customs documentation in Latvia, several documents and evidence must be provided and correctly maintained. These documents are used by the customs authorities to correctly declare the goods and ensure that all customs and tax regulations are complied with. We ensure that all employees who work with customs documents are informed of the current regulations and procedures. In addition, we have implemented internal control systems to monitor and comply with customs regulations.

Here are the essential documents and information required for customs documentation in Latvia:

• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Certificate of Origin
• Customs Declaration
• Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
• Import Licenses and Permits
• Export Licenses and Permits
• Entry Summary Declaration (ENS), Exit Summary Declaration (EXS)
• Customs Warehousing Documentation
• Import VAT and Duty Payment Receipts)
• Origin and Preference Documents (e.g. EUR.1 certificate)
• Certificates of Conformity (Certificates of Conformity)
• Dangerous Goods Documentation (Dangerous Goods Documentation)
• Cargo Insurance Certificate (Insurance Certificate)
• Sales Contract (Sales Contract)
• Import Duty Relief Application (Import Duty Relief Application)

Customs tariffs, customs duties and customs taxes in Latvia

Which customs tariffs, customs duties and customs taxes apply to the import and export of goods in Latvia?

When importing goods into Latvia, import duties and taxes apply. These duties vary depending on the type and value of the goods. Our experts will calculate the correct duties for you and make all payments on time.

Here are the main customs tariffs, customs duties and customs taxes for importing and exporting goods in Latvia:

Import to Latvia:

• Import duties
• Value added tax (Pievienotās vērtības nodoklis - PVN)
• Excise duties
  • Alcohol tax
  • Tobacco tax
  • Mineral oil tax
• Environmental taxes
• Anti-dumping duties
• Countervailing duties
• Safeguard measures

Export from Latvia:

• No export duties
• Export Licenses and Permits
• Export Declaration
• Certificate of Origin
• Certificates of Conformity

Customs restrictions and prohibitions in Latvia

What goods are subject to customs restrictions and prohibitions in Latvia?

An overview of the main categories of goods whose import and export is prohibited or restricted in Latvia to protect safety, health, the environment and other public interests:

• Narcotics and psychotropic substances
• Weapons and ammunition
• Explosives and explosives
• Counterfeit goods and pirated products
• Dangerous chemicals
• Species protected by CITES (CITES)
• Medical and pharmaceutical products
• Cultural goods and antiques
• Food and agricultural products
• Electronic devices and batteries
• Waste and dangerous goods
• Dual-use goods (civilian and military use)
• Tobacco products and alcoholic beverages
• Medicines and medical devices
• Products with a high environmental risk
• Containing asbestos Products
• Radioactive materials

Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) in Latvia

Companies with the status of an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) can take advantage of certain benefits in customs procedures. However, obtaining this status requires meeting strict criteria and working closely with the customs authorities. The prerequisite for using this procedure is the application for and approval of AEO status.

What are the advantages of authorized economic operator status (AEO status) in Latvia?

Companies with AEO status benefit from numerous advantages in customs procedures in Latvia, including:

• Simplified customs procedures
• Fewer customs controls
• Faster clearance
• Priority in customs controls
• International recognition
• Increased trust from trading partners
• Improved security standards
• Cost savings
• Competitive advantage
• Support from customs authorities
• Simplified access to customs simplifications
• Reduced documentation requirements

What criteria must companies fulfill to obtain AEO status in Latvia?

A company must fulfill the following criteria to obtain AEO status in Latvia:

• Compliance with customs regulations
• Functioning internal control system
• Financial stability
• Traceable accounting
• High security standards
• Risk management system
• Transparent and reliable company structure
• Training and qualification of employees
• Documentation of company processes
• Cooperation with customs authorities

How does the application process to obtain AEO status in Latvia work?

The process of obtaining AEO status in Latvia includes these key steps:

1. Preparation of documentation
2. Conducting self-assessment
3. Filling in application form
4. Submission of application to the Customs Authority (Valsts ieņēmumu dienests - VID)
5. Preliminary review by the Customs Authority
6. Facility visit and audit by the Customs Authority
7. Assessment of compliance with AEO criteria
8. Decision by the Customs Authority
9. Issuance of AEO certificate
10. Regular review and maintenance of status

Free trade agreements with Latvia

Which free trade agreements is Latvia participating in?

Some of the main free trade agreements Latvia is a party to:

• EU Free Trade Agreement (Latvia is a member of the EU)
• EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)
• EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)
• EU-South Korea Free Trade Agreement
• EU-Singapore Free Trade Agreement
• EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement
• EU-Central America Association Agreement
• EU-Chile Association Agreement
• EU-Mercosur Association Agreement (under negotiation)
• EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA)
• EU-Mexico Global Agreement
• EU-SADC Economic Partnership Agreement (with southern Africa)
• EU-West Africa Economic Partnership Agreement (with ECOWAS states)
• EU-East African Community (EAC) Economic Partnership Agreement
• EU-Pacific States Economic Partnership Agreement

What advantages do the EU free trade agreements offer Latvia?

The EU free trade agreements offer Latvia numerous advantages:

• Duty-free or reduced tariffs
• Facilitated market access
• Legal certainty and investment protection
• Removal of technical barriers to trade
• Improved access to services
• Strengthening competitiveness
• Reduction of costs for importers and exporters
• Promotion of trade and economic growth
• Protection of intellectual property
• Access to global supply chains
• Simplified customs procedures
• Increased export opportunities for Latvian companies

Customs law and official customs information in Latvia

The customs laws and regulations in Latvia are extensive and regulate all aspects of cross-border trade. The customs offices provide information on specific customs issues and can help with individual inquiries. The official website vid.gov.lv offers numerous resources and contact details. We are always up to date with all laws and regulations of Latvian customs law in order to be able to advise you as best as possible.