This aims to further reduce Latvia’s economic ties with Russia and Belarus.
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The draft law was adopted with 66 votes in favor. Eight parliamentarians voted against it, and another eight Saeima members did not participate in the vote.
The draft law prohibits the import of books, newspapers, video games, sports goods, toys, clothing, and footwear originating from Russia or Belarus. The exact list of prohibited goods will be determined by government decrees, based on the European Union (EU) Combined Nomenclature codes.
The ban will apply to both direct import of these goods from Russia and Belarus, and the import of goods originating from Russia or Belarus from other third countries. However, transit through Latvian territory to other EU member states will not be restricted.
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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that the aim of the draft law is to reduce the aggressor states’ ability to generate income from exports and to strengthen Latvia’s national security. At the same time, it seeks to supplement the existing EU sanctions and trade restrictions against Russia and Belarus.
The planned ban is expected to affect a relatively small portion of Latvia’s imports. Books, newspapers, video games, sports goods, toys, clothing, and footwear accounted for approximately 12.5 million euros, or 6.5 percent, of imports from Russia and Belarus last year, which constitutes about 0.05 percent of Latvia’s total imports.
The draft law stipulates that the impact of the ban on public safety and the national economy will be assessed annually. The first assessment must be submitted to the government by March 1 of next year to decide whether this regulation should continue to be applied.
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