Generic Information

Republic of Latvia is a country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe, one of the three Baltic States. It is bordered by Estonia to the north, Lithuania to the south, Russia to the east, and Belarus to the southeast, as well as a maritime border to the west alongside Sweden. Latvia has 1,957,200 inhabitants and a territory of 64,589 km2 (24,938 sq mi).The country has a temperate seasonal climate.

Latvia is a democratic parliamentary republic established in 1918. The capital city is Riga, the European Capital of Culture 2014. Latvian is the official language. Latvia is a unitary state, divided into 119 administrative divisions, of which 110 are municipalities and 9 are cities.

Facts and Figures

Latvia Wolfram Alpha Information  http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=latvia

Latvia World Bank Information        http://www.worldbank.org/en/country/centraleuropeandthebaltics

Latvia Population Information         http://worldpopulationreview.com/countries/latvia-population/

 

  

Latvia declared itself an independent country in 1991. It is a parliamentary representative democratic republic with a multi-party regime and free elections on the basis of universal suffrage. Power is divided between the legislative, executive and judiciary branches of government. Legislative power is held by the unicameral parliament (Saeima) with its 100 deputies. The Saeima is elected for a four-year period by general elections. Elections are carried out according to proportional representation, with a political party needing at least 5% of the total vote to enter the Saeima. Non-citizens (about 16% of the population) are not entitled to vote in parliamentary or municipal elections. The President of Latvia is elected by the Saeima for a period of four years and can remain in office for a maximum of two consecutive terms. Although the President’s position is mainly ceremonial, he is head of the armed forces, can veto some parliamentary decisions and he exercises substantial authority in both domestic and foreign affairs. The Prime Minister is appointed by the President and is the head of the executive branch of government. The Cabinet of Ministers is nominated by the Prime Minister and appointed by the parliament. At the height of the economic crisis in 2009 a political crisis emerged, with public protests calling for the resignation of the government and the President threatening the Saeima with dissolution. In 2011, after the dissolution of the 10th Saeima as a result of a referendum in which 94% of the voters (at a voter participation rate of 45%) supported the dissolution, elections for the current 11th Saeima were held in September. Voter turnout was 60% and five parties and associations of parties gained seats in parliament; the “Harmony Centre”, a political alliance of several centre-left parties, is the largest party in parliament and has 31 deputy seats.

 

The judiciary is independent of political influence, but is thought to be weak and inefficient due to long waiting periods for court hearings. An independent human rights organization, the Human Rights Bureau, is responsible for monitoring human rights issues.

All important legislation laws are enacted by parliament and come into force after having been officially announced by the President. The President has veto rights that allow her/him to send the law back to parliament for repeated discussions. This right is rarely used and to date has never been exercised in the case of any health-related law. 

Since 2011 Latvia has been administratively divided into two levels: the central level (the state) and the 119 local governments (or municipalities), comprising 110 counties (or novadi) and 9 cities under state jurisdiction. Local government responsibilities in the health sector broadly include ensuring geographical access to health care services, promoting healthy lifestyles, restricting alcoholism, ensuring public order and safety and providing education and social services (old-age institutions, asylums for the homeless, homes for orphaned children, etc.). 

Latvia became a member of the United Nations in December 1991 and joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) in October 1998. In March 2004 Latvia became a full North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member, before joining the EU in May 2004, together with Estonia, Lithuania and seven other countries.

National Diagnostic Centre 

The beginning of the National Diagnostic Centre dates back to the period of Latvian occupation by the Soviets, i.e. 1944 when the operation of the Republic Veterinary and Bacteriological Laboratory was renewed by the decision No.234 (November 14, 1944) issued by Latvian SSR People’s Commissariat of Agriculture. 
According to the order No.42 (February 12, 1964) issued by the Ministry of Agricultural Production and Supply of the Latvian SSR, since March 12, 1964 the Republican Veterinary and Bacteriological Laboratory was renamed into the Republican Veterinary Laboratory. 
The main tasks of the laboratory were set out according to the Standard Regulations of the Republican Veterinary Laboratory, approved by the Central Veterinary Board of the USSR Ministry of Agriculture on April 28, 1955, namely: 

• laboratorial and diagnostic investigations of animals, birds, blood, pathological material, fodder, water etc.;

• development and approval of diagnosis for cases of diseases and deaths of animals, birds, fur animals, fish, bees; preparation of directions and conclusions with respect to disease prophylaxis and prevention, responsibility for the elimination of contagious animal diseases in the Republic;

• methodical guidance and consulting of the territorial veterinary laboratories, assistance to veterinaries of kolkhozes and Soviet farms;

• analysis of epizootic, parasitic, non-infectious diseases and ecological situation as well as performance analysis of preventive measures,

• accounting and summarization of veterinary statistics, preparation of reports according to the institutional regulations;

• Training and certification of specialists.

 

Upon restoration of Latvian State independence in 1991, according to the order No.108 (April 22, 1992) issued by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Latvia, the Republican Veterinary Laboratory was renamed into State Veterinary Medicine Diagnostic Centre.According to the Regulations approved by the State Veterinary Department on January 3, 1992, the State Veterinary Medicine Diagnostic Centre is the main republican diagnostic and methodical work centre of the State Veterinary Department.
The main tasks of the State Veterinary Medicine Diagnostic Centre: 

• laboratorial and diagnostic investigations;

• development and approval of diagnosis for cases of diseases and deaths of animals, birds, fur animals, fish, bees; preparation of instructions and conclusions for disease prevention and monitoring;

• methodical guidance of the work and consulting on its implementation for territorial veterinary laboratories and meat plants as well as professional training and certification of specialists;

• quality control of food products, imports and exports of cattle breeding, plant-growing, apicultural and fish farming products;

• development, approbation and improvement of laboratory diagnostic methods, promotion of their introduction in the work of the territorial veterinary laboratories;

•  analysis of epizootic, parasitic and non-infectious diseases and ecological situation and performance of preventive measures, prognosis of disease spreading in the republic;

• accounting and summarization of veterinary statistics, preparation of reports and documentation;

• Popularisation of the latest achievements in veterinary medicine.

 

The Regulation of the Diagnostic Centre was approved by the State Veterinary Department on December 16, 1996. The status, tasks and rights of the Centre were not changed. 
Due to coming into force of the Law on Veterinary Medicine on July 1, 2001, and activities of the Cabinet and ministries in the process of establishing concept of State administrative - territorial reform, as well as starting establishment operations of unified service for supervision of food movement, the name of State Veterinary Medicine Diagnostic Centre was changed according to the Direction No.195 (29th June, 2001) issued by the State Veterinary Service 2001.  Since July 1, 2001 State Veterinary Medicine Diagnostic Centre became the State Veterinary Diagnostic Centre of Latvian Food and Veterinary Service.
Since January 1, 2006, as a result of optimization of interrelated functions of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Health, laboratories of the State Veterinary Diagnostic Centre of Latvian Food and Veterinary Service were merged with the laboratories of the state agency under the Ministry of Health - "Public Health Agency”. It was beginning of the operation of the National Diagnostic Center (NDC). 

Field of action of the former State Veterinary Diagnostic Centre of Latvian Food and Veterinary Service was extended. In addition to former laboratories of NDC: the Laboratory of Food and Environmental Investigations and the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, the Human Disease Diagnostic Laboratory began its action.   Base of resources of National Diagnostic Centre as well as the unified strategy in the different areas of investigation allows using the saved means for ensuring of wider and more qualitative and effective operation. 
The goal of NDC activities is to provide laboratory diagnostics, to help ensure human and animal health, animal welfare, measurements of environmental health risk factors and reliable and safe food movement. 

 The National Diagnostic Centre: 

• ensures the microbiological diagnosis of human diseases, investigations in focus of infectious disease as well as laboratory investigations related to environment and human health;

• carries out testing of food products as well as hygienic investigations related with environment and food movement;

• performs investigations of drinking water, bathing ground water and bathing water quality monitoring services;

• provides animal disease diagnostics as well as laboratory investigations related to environment and movement of food, veterinary drugs, pharmaceutical products, animal feed and feed additives;

• performs chemical and physic-chemical testing of packaging materials, perfumes and cosmetics, toys, atmosphere, air of indoor and the working area, as well as physical investigations of environment;

• Provides conformity assessment and certification of fishery product processing companies and their production.

Contacts:

 Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment BIOR
 

Address:  Lejupes Street 3, Riga, LV-1076

Phone    : +371 67620513, fax: +371 67620434

E-mail    : bior@bior.lv

Working hours: 

• Administration: weekdays 8:30 - 17:00 (We suggest to contact the specialist before a visit)

• Laboratories: monday to thursday 8:30 - 16:00; on Fridays 8:30 - 15.00

 

For more information on regulatory departments and quality control laboratories’ contact details, please see the following links: 4.1 Government Contact List and 4.3 Laboratory and Quality Testing Company Contact List

 

 

Latvia Customs Information

Duties and Tax Exemption

For contact information regarding government custom authorities, please follow the link below: 4.1 Latvia Government Contact List

 

Emergency Response:

The guideline of IDRL (Guidelines for the domestic facilitation and regulation of international disaster relief and initial recovery assistance – Can be found on the following link http://www.ifrc.org/PageFiles/41203/1205600-IDRL%20Guidelines-EN-LR%20(2).pdf ) in respect to the import of goods and equipment stipulate, among other, that the host nation has to ensure that goods and equipment for disaster relief is exempt of any customs taxes, duties, tariffs etc., import and export restrictions, as well as that the alleviated customs procedure and clearance is provided

As of 1 May 2004 the customs clearance is performed at the checkpoints of the external border of EU, as well as at domestic level. In individual cases the customs clearance can be performed at checkpoints of internal border (including border crossing points) on the borders of Latvia-Lithuania and Latvia-Estonia. The customs clearance is performed by customs authorities of the State Revenue Service (customs authorities). Goods imported in the customs territory of EU and exported from these territories are subject to the customs clearance. National competence of Latvia in issues concerning customs is determined by the Customs Law, which provides procedure for movement of goods across the national border, taxation with import duty and export duty and other fees set forth in the laws and regulations which are administered by the State Revenue Service, clearance, customs control and other measures and activities through which customs policy is enforced. Meanwhile, border crossing points where frontier controls, customs clearance, control of veterinary, phytosanitary control, control of food safety, control of safety, quality and classification of non-food consumer goods and radiometric control as well as the time for these inspections are set forth by the Cabinet of Ministers pursuant to paragraph seven of Article 22 of the Law on State Border of the Republic of Latvia. In accordance with the Humanitarian Aid Regulations customs formalities of the relief shipment are settled by the responsible ministry or its authorized person. Furthermore, the responsible ministry or its authorized person ensures submission of required documents to the customs authority of the State Revenue Service. The customs authorities of the State Revenue Service, on their turn:

1. Ensure extraordinary customs clearance of the relief shipment; and

2. Exempt relief shipments from import duty in accordance with laws and regulations of EU stipulating exemption from the customs tax.

Total relief from import duties shall be granted for:

1. Disaster relief material where it is used in connection with measures taken to counter the effects of disasters or similar situations affecting the customs territory of the Community and intended for state bodies or bodies approved by the competent authorities;

2. Medical, surgical and laboratory equipment dispatched on loan at the request of a hospital or other medical institution which has urgent need of such equipment to make up for the inadequacy of its own facilities and where it is intended for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.

Goods imported for humanitarian purposes (for example, medical, surgical and laboratory equipment, vehicles and other means of transport, blankets, tents, prefabricated houses or other essential goods dispatched as a relief for those affected by natural disasters or similar emergencies) shall have the temporary admission procedure applied.

 In respect of the goods exemption of the import duty is stipulated by Council Regulation (EC) No 1186/2009 of 16 November 2009 setting up a Community system of reliefs from customs duty. The regulation stipulates exemption of the import duty on goods for charity and philanthropic organizations and victims of the disaster.

Exemption of the import duty granted to charity or philanthropic organizations is granted, if the following is imported:

1. Essential goods (such as food, medicines, clothes and blankets), which are imported by government organizations or other charity or philanthropic organizations which are approved by the competent authorities and which are intended to be distributed among the destitute people free of charge;

2. Various goods dispatched to government organizations or other charity or philanthropic organizations by any person or organization domicile of which is outside the EU customs territory free of charge and without any business intention which are approved by the competent authorities, so that they would be used for fundraising purposes at specifically organized charity events for the needs of destitute people;

3. Equipment and stationery dispatched to government organizations or other charity or philanthropic organizations by any person or organization which is domiciled outside the EU customs territory free of charge and without any business intention which are approved by the competent authorities, so that they would use them only for the needs of their activities or accomplishment of a charitable and philanthropic causes.

Exemptions are granted only to organizations accounting records of which allow the competent authorities to monitor their activities and which provide all required guarantees. National laws and regulations contain detailed requirements for recipients of the exemption as well as preconditions for receipt of the exemption. In accordance with 20 December 2005 Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No 957 “Procedures by which the Imported Goods of Budget Institutions and Public Benefit Organisations shall be Released from Import Duty” goods imported by budget institutions and organizations of public benefit are exempt of the import duty, if the documents regulating activities of the respective institution or organization (for example, articles of association, bylaws or constitution) contain a reference to the purpose of the activity – provision of free assistance.95 Consequently, the association, foundation or religious organization which wants to obtain exemption of the import duty has to enjoy the status of public benefit organization. The status of public benefit organization is granted under the procedure set forth in the Law on Public Benefit Organizations. The applicant for the permission who wishes to obtain the status of public benefit organization has to be registered with the State Revenue Service as a taxpayer. As it was already mentioned earlier exemption of the import duty is applied also to goods for the needs of the victims of the disaster. The exemption is applied to such goods (except for materials and equipment envisaged for reconstruction in the regions affected by the disaster96), which are imported by government organizations or other charity or philanthropic organizations that are approved by competent authorities, if they are intended to be:

1. Distributed free of charge to those who have become casualties of the disaster that has struck territory of one or more member states; or

2. Delivered at disposal of the casualties free of charge retaining them in ownership of the said organizations.

The same regulations are applicable to goods imported for free circulation which are imported by rescue services to ensure their operation.

The European Commission makes a decision on granting exemption under urgency procedure upon request of one or more respective member states after discussing it with other member states. Such decision shall stipulate scope and conditions of the exemption, if necessary. While the decision of the European Commission is not announced member states struck by the disaster may allow importing goods by deferring all import duties on them, if the importing organization undertakes to pay these taxes in the event the exemption is not granted.98

The foregoing goods not only are exempt from the customs duty, but also value added tax.99 Furthermore, the value added tax is not imposed on import of goods which is carried out by:

1. EU institutions or their missions in the EU territory, European Atomic Energy Community, European Central Bank, European Investment Bank or entities established by laws and regulations of the European Union governed by the Protocol on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Communities of 8 April 1965 – pursuant to restrictions and conditions stipulated in the said protocol and agreements implementing thereof or the seat agreements;

2. International entities, organizations, which are recognized as such by competent authorities of the respective Member State and members of such entities – pursuant to restrictions and conditions stipulated in international conventions by which these entities are established, or to seat agreements;

3. International organizations or their missions in the EU territory – pursuant to restrictions and conditions stipulated in international conventions by which these entities are established, or to seat agreements;

4. NATO agencies for the needs of performance of the international treaty or armed force units of states parties to NATO (save for NAF) deployed in the territory of the Republic of Latvia, for their own needs or needs of individuals involved in them;

5. Diplomatic and consular missions of Member States and third countries registered in the Republic of Latvia subject to the Protocol on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Communities of 8 April 1965, if the goods are exempt of the customs duty in accordance with Council Regulation (EC) No 1186/2009 of 16 November 2009 setting up a Community system of reliefs from customs duty.

Exemptions and facilitations in import and expert of inventory and relief material for the purpose to provide aid in emergency situations are stipulated not only by national laws and regulations and the EU Regulations but also by bilateral agreements concluded by the Republic of Latvia on cooperation in prevention and recovery of emergency situations. These agreements, for the most part, stipulate that the inventory and relief material imported in the territory of Latvia for the purpose to provide assistance in eliminating the disaster are exempt of the customs duties and other taxes payable upon importing goods, bans and restrictions of economic nature. Furthermore, it is stipulated in respect of the customs procedure that customs documents shall be executed in simplified manner and under priority, for example, by verifying lists issued by competent authorities of both countries where composition of the relief groups or experts, checklist of inventory and relief materials to be imported or exported are indicated.

Exemption from the import duty is also prescribed for the goods which are used by armed forces of a member state individually or in collaboration with other countries for the events of natural disaster contingencies.

Most customs checkpoints of the Republic of Latvia located at the border crossing points operate 24 hours a day or on call. Consequently, no special regulation is required for opening hours of the checkpoints and availability thereof for receipt of disaster relief.

Although national laws and regulations, applicable EU regulations and bilateral agreements on cooperation in prevention and recovery in emergency situations provide for certain kind of exemptions and facilitations in respect of goods and equipment being imported for provision of the assistance; these facilitations and exemptions are, nevertheless, of general nature, as well as procedure and method for application of exemptions are not established. Therefore a special and clear legal framework for import of relief goods and equipment should be introduced.

Source: http://www.ifrc.org/Global/Publications/IDRL/Publications/Latvia%20-%20final%20versionHNS%20study.pdf

Structure of civil emergency planning

Civil protection measures, being aware of the possible threats, are provided for in the State Civil Protection Plan, the Local Government Civil Protection Plans and the Civil Protection Plan of Institutions. The Civil Protection Law was adopted in 2006. The main responsibility on the State level for CEP rests with the State Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) under the Ministry of the Interior, with one of the main tasks being to control compliance with the civil protection requirements specified in regulatory enactments regulating civil protection matters. Responsibilities on a local level for CEP tasks lie with the local municipalities

[In the following table, state which of the following agreements and conventions apply to the country and if there are any other existing ones.

CEP tasks and objectives

According to the Civil Protection Law civil protection in Latvia is the set of organizational, engineering, economic, financial, social, educational and scientific measures, which is implemented to ensure response in cases of disasters or when there are threats of disaster, as well as to support the needs of the State defence system.

There are four main tasks that are associated with Civil Protection in Latvia:

1. To carry out disaster management;

2. To provide aid to victims of disasters;

3. To reduce the possible damage to property and the environment caused by disasters;

4. If a military invasion or war has begun to support the National Armed Forces with resources.

CEP organisational structure

The Prime Minister is responsible for the continuous function of the operation of the system and the implementation of the tasks and fulfilment of its obligations. Civil protection operations are planned, coordinated, led and controlled by the SFRS under the Ministry of the Interior. The heads of institutions and companies shall be responsible for civil protection in their own institutions and companies. The Crisis Management Council acts as a managing body in the event of emergencies, and is led by the Prime Minister. The Crisis Management Council coordinates the operational measures of the State institutions in the event of disasters and civil-military cooperation. The Secretariat of the Crisis Management Council guarantees the function of the Crisis Management Council. The municipal authorities are responsible for establishing and managing of the Civil Protection Commission of the municipalities and cities under state jurisdiction.

The Civil Protection Commission of the municipalities and cities under state jurisdiction coordinates civil protection measures in the event of a disaster in the relevant administrative territories.

Civil-military cooperation

Existing legal arrangements are concentrated on military support to civil authorities during peacetime emergencies. The organisation for civil support to military activities is at an initial stage and requires further investigation in regard to respective legal acts and regulations.

The National Armed Forces consist of the Defence Forces, the Home Guard and the Reserve Forces. The duty of the Armed Forces is to participate during peacetime emergency operations as stated in the Armed Forces Law.

Their main tasks are as follows:

• to support civilian services with manpower, vehicles, communication and life-support equipment

• to participate in the maintenance of public order

• to participate in rescue work

• to fulfil specific tasks, such as blowing up ice on rivers, clearing mines, decontamination, etc.

The Home Guard is organised according to the territorial principle, i.e. the location area of a Home Guard battalion is within the territory of a district or city municipality. As a rule, the Home Guard battalions have agreements concerning mutual assistance and cooperation with respective fire brigades and police departments.

The largest emergency assistance operations carried out so far by the National Armed Forces have been the involvement in the forest fires of 1992 and the spring floods of 1996 and 1998.

Legal framework

The legislative framework of Latvian CEP is mainly based on the National Security Law accepted by Parliament in 2000 and the Civil Protection Law, accepted by Parliament in 2006. The law sets out a clear set of roles and responsibilities for civil protection for local governments and institutions

Contact:

State Fire and Rescue Service

Janis Ivanovskis, Head of Division

European Affairs and International Co-operation

Maskavas iela 5 LV-1050 Latvia

Telephone: +371 6707 59 70

Telefax: +371 6722 35 42

E-mail: janis.ivanovskis@vugd.gov.lv

[Note: This section contains information which is related and applicable to 'crisis' times. These instruments can be applied when an emergency is officially declared by the Government.  When this occurs, there is usually a streamlined process to import goods duty and tax free.]

In the following table, state which of the following agreements and conventions apply to the country and if there are any other existing ones.

 

Exemption Regular Regime (Non-Emergency Response): 

[Note: This section should contain information on the usual duties & taxes exemption regime during non-emergency times, when there is no declared state of emergency and no streamlines process (e.g. regular importations/development/etc.).]

Missions are exempt from customs duties on goods, including motor vehicles and alcoholic beverages, imported from the countries outside the European Union, for official use.

Diplomatic agents and career consular officers are exempt from customs duties on:

• Household articles and luggage, as well as the luggage of members of their families forming part of his household;

• Other goods, including motor vehicles and alcoholic beverages, imported for their own use, or for the personal use of members of their families forming part of his household.

Members of the administrative and technical staff of missions and their families’ members may import their personal removal goods exempt from customs duties in connection with their first assignment to Latvia, provided they are not Latvian nationals or permanently resident in Latvia. Such effects should arrive not later than four months after their arrival in Latvia.

International Organization, Representations of International Organizations and their personnel who are not Latvian citizens or permanent residents in Latvia may import and export goods for the official use of the representation and their personal use exempt from import and export taxes in concordance with bilateral treaties concluded between Latvia and the relevant international organization.

A consulate headed by an honorary consul enjoys exemption from customs duties only on the following articles, provided that they are for the official use of the consulate: coats-of-arms, flags, signboards, seals and stamps, books, official printed matter, office furniture, office equipment and similar articles supplied by or at the instance insistence of the sending state.

Duty-free imports shall therefore not exceed the quantities necessary for the direct use by the missions, consular posts or the persons concerned.

Members of the service staff, locally employed staff, honorary consuls and foreign government agencies, such as tourist offices, cultural institutes and trade representations and their staff, do not enjoy exemption from customs duties under the Vienna Conventions or under Latvian law.

Goods that are exempt from customs duties are also exempt from value added tax and excise duty.

 

Latvia Humanitarian Customs Regulations

Necessary documents for import or export procedures:

• CMR, AWB or BL,

• Commercial Invoice (original),

• Transportation invoice,

• Power of Attorney (original),

• Certificate of Origin (original) (EUR certificate, invoice – declaration)

• A document of the Sanitary border inspection, if necessary (for toys, food etc.),

• Import or export licenses, if necessary (textiles, strategic goods, medicals etc.),

• Documents approving a reduced VAT rate for goods that if necessary (e.g. Certificate from Ministry of Health),

Necessary documents for transit customs procedures:     

• Power of Attorney (original),

• CMR, AWB or BL,

• Commercial Invoice (original),

• Customs Transit Services Order,

• Guarantee policy (if the client uses its own transport).

The Commercial Invoice must contain:

• Sender, name, address,

• Consignee, name, address,

• Consumer, address, if it’s not the consignee,

• Delivery address,

• Invoice number and date,

• Type/title and description of goods,

• Commodity code,

• Commodity net and gross weight,

• Quantity of items,        

• Price of one item,

• Value and currency of commodities/goods,

• Quantity of transportation packaging,

• Terms of delivery (According to Incoterms),

• Invoice/declaration AED, ED (up till 6000 EUR) – confirmation of the origin of goods’, if an origin certificate is missing (EUR1, ATR, Origin).

Restricted Items

Some articles are limited to certain quantities or require special authorization/ payments of duties and taxes to clear customs in Latvia. These items include, but are not limited to:

• Firearms require a permit from Latvian Police Department

• Alcohol --anything over two liters of wine and two liters of spirits is dutiable

• Tobacco - anything over 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars or 250 grams of loose tobacco is dutiable

• Pieces of art older than 50 years must hold permission from Latvian authorities

• List must be provided for books, records, and compact discs stating the title and name of author for each item--items will be viewed by the Ministry of Information.

• Medicines require permit from Ministry of Health

Tax Exemption

Humanitarian aid consignments are exempted from customs duties.

Pre-Shipment Application

Pre-Shipment application should be addressed to the Ministry of Finance.

Monetary Valuation

Monetary valuation is required on the consignment as a whole and for the family groups of goods.

Restriction

Questions on food-safety and non-food consumer goods safety should be addressed to Sanitary Border Inspection of Food and Veterinary Office of Latvia. Tel. +371 7027061

Other Information

• Humanitarian aid consigns are goods indicated as “Humanitarian aid” in the invoice.

• Humanitarian aid consignees are state or governmental institutions. Religious and public organisations, operating in such areas as education, culture, science, social sector, charity, sport, health and environmental protection, can be consignees of humanitarian aid after they receive the permit from Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Latvia.

• Private persons and business companies cannot be the humanitarian aid consignees.

Contact Point

Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Latvia. Tel. + 371 7095522. Fax. + 371 7095526

 

Exemption Certificate Application Procedure: 

 

Zero Rate of Value Added Tax to the Supply of Goods and Services Provided to Diplomatic and Consular Missions, International Organisations, European Union Institutions and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), and Procedures for the Reimbursement of Excise Duty for Excisable Goods Purchased in the Republic of Latvia” provides the procedure for approving in the Republic of Latvia excise duty and value added tax exemption certificates duly prepared in accordance with the requirements of European Commission Regulation (EC) No 282/2011 of 15 March 2011 on the Excise Duty Exemption Certificate as well as the procedure for granting the right to use the Certificate without approval. 

A mission, international organisation or a diplomatic agent accredited to Latvia may buy goods and/or services in another EU – country exempt from VAT and Excise duty using the exemption form ”VAT and excise duty exemption certificate (Directive 2006/112/EC)” (Annex II). 

A buyer who requires VAT-exempt invoicing must complete the relevant EC forms and submit them to the State Protocol for confirmation. 

The officially recognized languages in the Republic of Latvia for completing the Certificate application form shall be Latvian or English. It should be noted that the name of the applicant must be clearly marked on the form. The form must be signed and stamped. The State Protocol confirms the duty-free imports and returns 3 pages of the application to the mission. 

The Certificate duly approved shall grant the privileged person the right to: 

• purchase, free of excise duty, the excise goods indicated in the Certificate in another member state of the European Union;

• purchase, free of excise duty, the excise goods indicated in the Certificate from an excise goods warehouse within the territory of the Republic of Latvia;

• Purchase, free of value added tax, the goods indicated in the Certificate and receive services in another member state of the European Union.

 

In accordance with the approved Certificate, a mission, international organization or institution of the European Community accredited to Latvia, which is building real estate in the territory of the Republic of Latvia for official use, has the right to purchase inland, for the construction of this real estate, goods indicated in the Certificate and receive services with 0 per cent value added tax rate applied (including supply of construction materials, project preparation and construction services). 

In the event a mission, international organization or institution of the European Community accredited to Latvia builds real estate for official use, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs may grant the person the right to use the Certificate without approval for the period of execution of the real estate construction project.

In the event the privileged person purchases goods or receives services for official use, the State Protocol may grant the applicant the right to use the Certificate without approval for a period of time not exceeding 36 months. If a decision is made to grant the applicant the rights to use the Certificate without approval, the State Protocol will advise in writing the Applicant, indicating the period of time for which such rights are granted and the State Revenue Service, indicating the person who is granted the right to use the Certificate without approval, the period of time for which the right is granted and the date and number of the decision granting the right to use the Certificate without approval. In the event a decision is made not to grant the applicant the right to use the Certificate without approval, the State Protocol shall within fifteen working days advice the Applicant in writing, indicating the reasons for refusal.

 

Legislation: 

1. Regulation of the Cabinet of Ministers No 908 of 18 December 2012 „Procedures for the Application of Zero Rate of Value Added Tax to the Supply of Goods and Services Provided to Diplomatic and Consular Missions, International Organisations, European Union Institutions and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), and Procedures for the Reimbursement of Excise Duty for Excisable Goods Purchased in the Republic of Latvia”;

2. European Community certificate VAT and excise duty exemption (Directive 2006/112/EC).

Source:   http://www.mfa.gov.lv/en/about-the-ministry/state-protocol/vat-exempt-purchases-in-other-eu-countries

Exemption Certificate Document Requirements

Customs Clearance

General Information 

Customs Clearance Document Requirements

Customs Procedures and Duties

 

 

Transit Regime 

Historically, Latvia has been one of the main transit points for both north-south and east-west trade flows. Its geographical location remains central to strategically relevant transportation flows connecting major world economies like the USA, European Union, Russia, the CIS and the Far East. The transit sector is one of the strongest industrial sectors in Latvia. Nearly 90 % of turnover in Latvian ports, more than 80 % of rail cargo, and the major proportion of oil and oil products transported via trunk pipeline systems is transit. More than 8 % of Latvia's employees are engaged in the transportation and servicing of transit cargo. The importance of the transport, transit and storage sector in terms of GDP contribution is substantial at around 8 % in 2014.

Latvia recognises the development of an effective, secure, multi-modal, balanced, environmentally-friendly and competitive transport system to be a priority. The main goal for the sustainable development of Latvia’s transport system is to fully integrate Latvia’s transport infrastructure with the Trans-European multi-modal transport system. Special attention is being paid to developing coastal shipping and combined transportation. Promotion of ferry traffic in the Baltic Sea is being, and will be emphasised further by involving Latvia’s port authorities. A key priority is to construct and develop industrial, logistics and distribution parks. In developing the transport and energy infrastructure of the European Union, essential conditions are: the effective use of the transport and energy network; the planning of development from an economic point of view, taking into account established goods and passenger transport corridors; and the development potential of economic relations between the European Union and neighbouring countries.

 

Total Volumes of Cargo Transportation

 

 

 

Source: Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia

 

Railways link Latvia with Russia, CIS, the neighboring Baltic States, and through Poland with the rest of Europe. Latvia possesses a dense railroad network connecting the country to destinations as far as the Russian Far East, wherever the former Soviet railway gauge standard is in operation. There are additional opportunities for trade connection with Japan and Southeast Asia. Currently state-owned operator Latvian Railways functions mostly as a transit trunk-line with as much as 80 % of total freight volumes being transit connected to Latvian ports and about 30 % of freight rolling-stock being tanker wagons. Movement in the opposite direction, to Moscow and other parts of Russia and CIS countries, is dominated by container cargo. There is enough capacity to substantially increase the cargo currently transported by rail. At present, the east-west railway corridor has the capacity to transport 50 million tonnes of cargo annually and reconstruction plans to substantially increase this figure have been approved. To improve the rail connection between Central and Northern Europe and Germany, the Rail Baltica project has been launched providing railway connection between Tallinn and Warsaw of at least 950 km (728 km in the Baltics, of them 235 km in Latvia) with maximal speed of 240 km/h. 

Latvia has three major ice-free ports - Ventspils, Riga, and Liepaja and seven minor ports – Salacgriva, Lielupe, Engure, Mērsrags, Roja, Kolka and Pāvilosta. The three major ports have been accorded favourable incentive schemes to help attract new business (80-100 % relief on direct taxes and significant discounts on indirect taxes (VAT, Excise)). Ventspils and Riga Ports are Free Ports whereas the entire city and port of Liepaja comprise a Special Economic Zone. 

The Latvian road network is well-developed but further development is still in progress. The government instigated policies to promote a high quality road infrastructure and road safety standards that will meet internationally approved requirements. The Via Baltica is the most important transport corridor, traversing Latvia in a north-south direction. Via Baltica is also an European transport corridor - route E67. It connects European cities Helsinki, Tallinn, Riga, Kaunas and Warsaw, and Riga, Kaliningrad and Gdansk. The road network is uniform throughout Latvia. It is easy to reach any place by road transport whatever its location. There is almost no traffic congestion except during some morning and evening hours in Riga. This is a great advantage for transit flow and allows driving without interruption. Furthermore, there are no tolls, fees or taxes for using roads, bridges or tunnels. 

Riga International Airport is the largest international aviation company in the Baltic states and the main air traffic centre in this region offering regular passenger, cargo and postal delivery to the cities of Europe and world. The RIGA International Airport renders both aviation (airplane, passenger and cargo attendance) and non-aviation services (lease, parking spaces, VIP centre services, etc.). It attends both national and international airlines becoming one of the few European airports that attends both full service and low costs airlines.  From the RIGA International Airport it is possible to go to more than 70 destinations. 

In 2014 Riga international Airport welcomed 4.8 million passengers (0.5 % more than 2013). By serving five million passengers in 2011, according to the ranking of Airports Council International, Riga International Airport has officially joined the ranks of medium-sized airports and internationally will not be treated as a small airport any more. Riga International Airport is the leader in the Baltic states - the market share of Riga International Airport was 45 percent. 

Sector Advantages 

Latvia's geographical location between east and west, forming the EU's external border with Russia and Belarus, particularly significant for the Russian market, but also important because of the potential transit function of Far East cargo via the Trans-Siberian Railway connection to western Europe. The strategic location of the capital Riga, including its own consumer market potential, offers opportunities for development within the Baltic States and is the reason that numerous international companies have located their Baltic States' head offices there. 

The quality and level of transport and logistics services is improving, led by large, international transport and forwarding companies, which have the ability and expertise to organise value-adding activities. 

Quality of road, rail, and maritime infrastructure – the transport connections for maritime cargo flows in containers, good quality of railway and road transport. 

Availability of skilled labour – larger companies provide training for their staff. Many employees have knowledge of three foreign languages (mostly English, Russian, German). 

Availability of high level IT in the transport industry, with use of modern IT/data systems, Internet connections, and the development of Electronic Data Interchange. The development of technology is being stimulated by the large, international transport and forwarding companies. 

Government support for the development of the transit, transport and logistics sector is satisfactory, customs and tax legislation has been considerably improved in recent years, so both customs and tax authorities now have good communications and information systems. 

 

For additional information: http://www.liaa.gov.lv/en/trade/industry-profiles/transit-and-logistics  

Necessary documents for transit customs procedures:      

• Power of Attorney (original),

• CMR, AWB or BL,

• Commercial Invoice (original),

• Customs Transit Services Order,

• Guarantee policy (if the client uses its own transport).

 

 

 

 

Port Overview 

The Freeport of Riga lies on both banks of the River Daugava covering 15 kilometres in length. Cargo transhipment capacity at the terminals of the Freeport of Riga accounts for 58,2 million tons per annum. In 2014 the FPR was the biggest port of the Baltic States by cargo turnover that reached 41,1 million tons. Number of vessels accommodated in 2014 amounted to 3797. Up to 80% of the Freeport of Riga cargo turnover is made up of transit cargo forwarded to or received from the CIS. 35 stevedore companies and 28 shipping agents successfully operate at the Freeport of Riga. Main types of cargo handled at the Freeport of Riga are containers, various metals, timber, coal, mineral fertilizers, and chemical cargo and oil products.  On July 3, 2003 the Freeport of Riga Authority received a Quality Certificate compliant with the ISO 9001:2000 standard requirements issued by the Bureau Veritas Quality International.  

On June 10, 2005 the Freeport of Riga Authority received a Quality Certificate compliant with the ISO 14001:2004 standard requirements issued by the Bureau Veritas Quality International.

The port is open for navigation all year round.

Port website: http://www.rop.lv/en 

Key port information can also be found at: http://www.maritime-database.com/port.php?pid=1539 

  

 

Port Picture

Description and Contacts of Key Companies

For more information on port contacts, please see the following link: 4.4 Port and Waterways Companies Contact List 

Port Performance 

Freeport of Riga in 2016 is:

• The second biggest port in the Baltic States by cargo turnover (38.06 mln.t)

• The Multifunctional port with cargo handling capacity 63 mln.t/year

• Serviced 3,521 ships with a tonnage of 43.7 mln.GT

• Passenger traffic: 582 thousand Passengers, including 71.4 thousand cruise passengers

 

Discharge Rates and Terminal Handling Charges

For information on port rates and charges, please see the following link: http://www.rop.lv/en/for-clients-a-investors/port-fees-and-charges.html

Berthing Specifications

Port Handling Equipment

Is the port equipment managed by the government or privately? The port is managed by private companies.

 

Riga port has three main container terminals in addition to more than 48 bulk, breakbulk & general cargo terminals all are run by private companies & all have their own handling equipment

 

Riga Container Terminal   

• Reach stackers: 3 units (up to 45t)
• Mobile cranes: 1 unit (104 t)
• Portal cranes: 2 units (up to 100t)
• Terminal tractors: 8 units (up to 60t)
• Empty container handler: 1 unit (up to 9 t)

 BCT       

• Quayside cranes : 4 Units ( 1 x 30t , 2 x 35t, 1 x 45t)

• Yard rail-mounted gantries: 4 Units (2 x 30.5t, 2 x 35t) 

• Yard rail-mounted gantries for rail operations: 2 Units (2 x 30.5t) 

• Reach stackers: 7 Units (7 x 45t)

• Yard tractors : 15 Units 

• Roll trailers : 4 Units (4 x 50t) 

• Axel trailers :14 Units (10 x 50t),(4 x 32t) 

• Double trailers: 2 Units   (2 x 60t)

• Forklifts : 37 Units (36 x 1.5t-7t   ,1 x 25t)

Riga Universal Terminal  

Loader: 8 Units (Capacity: 1,6 – 8t)         

Locomotive: 3 Unis (60 wagons) 

Cargo trailer: 6 Units (Capacity: 24 t) 

Hoist 2: 14 Units (Capacity 1,8 t)

Front loader: 7 Units (up to 10 cubic m) 

Container trailer : 8 Units (60 t) 

Timber loader: 10 Units (boom deflection up to 23 m)

Marine tractor: 10 Units  (80 t) 

Rail crane: 5 Units (6 - 20 t)       

Container loader: 5 Units (42 - 45 t)        

Mobile crane: 2 Units (84 - 104 t ) 

Conveyor systems: 3 Units (230 cubic cubic m / h)

Container Facilities 

Customs Guidance

Customs are operating 24/7, for more details regarding customs in Riga please check section (1.3 Customs information)  

For more about the port Laws and Regulations, please visit the following page:  

http://www.rop.lv/en/for-clients-a-investors/laws-and-regulations.html 

For more information on customs in Latvia, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information  

Terminal Information

Multipurpose Terminal

Grain and Bulk Handling 

RIGA PORT ELEVATOR (ROE) is the only specialized terminal for grain and grain products handling, storage in the port of Riga.

 

Main facts: 

• Terminal capacity: 1 million tons
• Elevator storage capacity: 45,000 tons
• Open storage area capacity: 150,000 tons
• Berths: 3
• Draft: 7.9 m (vessels up to 15'000 tons)

 

Services:

• Transhipment of dry bulk cargo (to and from vessels, rail wagons and trucks)
• Storage
• Containerization of grain and grain products
• Laboratory services

 

Types of cargo: 

• Grain and grain products
• Lumber
• Split stone
• Pig-iron
• Wood pellets

 

Managing company details: 

Riga Ostas Elevators 

Andrejostas street 4, Riga, LV - 1045, Latvia 

Tel: (371) 6732 0079 

Fax: (371) 6721 3355 

info@roe.lv 

www.rto.lv

 

Stevedoring

As all port terminals are managed by private companies, each company manages all stevedoring activities.

Hinterland Information

Containers, bulk & break bulk commodities are being moved out of the port whether by rail or by Trucks

Port Security

http://rop.lv/en/for-clients-a-investors/laws-and-regulations/1012-isps-code-international-ship-and-port-facility-security-code.html

Freeport of Riga Authority Port Police

3C Meldru Street, Riga, Latvia, LV-1015

Phone: (+371) 67090704

Operational Control Division telephone: (+371) 67090777

Fax: (+371) 67090793

E-mail: policija@rop.lv

General Cargo Handling Berths

Airport Overview

State Joint Stock Company (SJSC) RIGA International Airport of the Republic of Latvia. The sole shareholder is the Republic of Latvia. The shareholder of the state stock company is the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Latvia. 

RIGA International Airport is the largest international aviation company in the Baltic’s and the main air traffic centre in this region offering regular passenger, cargo and postal delivery to the cities of Europe and world. The RIGA International Airport renders both aviation (airplane, passenger and cargo attendance) and non-aviation services (lease, parking spaces, VIP centre services, etc.). It attends both national and international airlines becoming one of the few European airports that attends both full service and low costs airlines.

Airport Picture

Description and Contacts of Key Companies

 

RIX GH Services

 

RIX Ground Handling (or RIX GH) is an operational department of SJSC "RIGA  International Airport" offering full ground handling services for all airlines at Riga International Airport. We are capable of serving all sizes of passenger and cargo aircraft, including
    • scheduled and chartered passenger flights
    • regular and chartered cargo flights
    • ad-hoc private and business aviation flights.

 

All our operations are performed according to three main principles of RIX GH – safety, efficiency and punctuality.  As an ISO 9001 / ISO 14001 certified ground handler, we continuously incorporate the highest EU and international aviation industry safety standards into our ground handling processes to meet and exceed airline requirements. Our highly trained staff will always make sure to match ground handling processes with our airline customers’ needs in the ever changing and demanding air transport market.

 

RIX GH provides full range of services to passenger and cargo flights including the following:
    • full aircraft handling
    • administrative services and flight supervision 
    • dedicated turnaround coordinator for each flight
    • passenger services and baggage handling
    • airside cargo handling
    • preparation of loading documents.

 

RIX GH Services

Contacts:

 

GSM: (+371)29233017

 

          (+371)67207136

 

VHF freq: 121.775, Riga handling/ 118.8, Riga ground

 

For more information on airport contacts, please see the following link: 4.5 Airport Companies Contact List  

Information on some aviation service providers can be found at: http://www.azfreight.com/

Passenger and Cargo Performance Indicator

Runways 

http://worldaerodata.com/wad.cgi?runway=LG4251936

Helicopter Pad(s)

 

 

Airport Infrastructure Details 

 

Airport Operating Details

Customs Guidance

 

Movement of goods and cash 

When travelling in the EU territory

 

When travelling to the European Union (EU) member states, there are no restrictions on transportation of purchased or carried goods, provided that such goods are intended for personal use and not for sale. However, it should be taken into account that there are certain product groups listed in the regulatory acts to which specific imports restrictions in terms of transportation and quantity are applied, such as tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, coffee etc. 

In the laws and regulations additional restrictions are applied to some EU territories regarding transportation of excise goods in personal baggage.

If the quantity of excise goods transported from one EU member state to another exceeds the official limit, at border crossing the goods must be declared and the excise tax paid to the state revenue service for the excess quantity of goods. 

The following limits are determined for the goods subject to excise duty that have been purchased in an EU Member State for personal use with all taxes being paid in the respective state and taken to Latvia or another EU Member State:

 

• Tobacco products:
   • 800 cigarettes;
  • 400 cigarillos (cigars weighing not more than  3 grams each);
  • 200 cigars;
  • 1 kilogram of smoking tobacco;
  
  
•  Alcoholic beverages: 
  • 110 litres of beer;
  • 90 litres of wine (including a maximum of  60 litres of sparkling wine) or other fermented beverages;
  • 20 litres  of intermediate products (medium-strong beverages);
  • 10 litres of other alcoholic beverages (strong beverages);
   
•  Coffee: 
  • 10 kilograms;
   
•  Non-alcoholic beverages: 
  • 110 litres.

 

As regards tobacco products, EU countries may limit the number of cigarettes you can bring with you from certain other EU countries, which do not yet charge the minimum level of excise duty under Council Directive 2011/64/EU of 21 June 2011 on the structure and rates of excise duty applied to manufactured tobacco. This limit cannot be lower than 300 cigarettes. Currently, Austria, Croatia, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Slovenia and Sweden apply this lower limit for travellers coming from Bulgaria, Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania and Hungary. (Updated information is available on the homepage of the European Commission Director-General for Taxation and Customs: http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/common/travellers/within_eu/index_en.htm) 

 

 

When travelling outside the EU territory 

When arriving by air in the EU from a non-member state of the EU, no customs duty or VAT tax is charged on the traveller’s luggage if its total value does not exceed 430 Euro per person. Children under 15 years of age can bring goods for personal use at the value not exceeding 285 Euro.

Personal luggage means new, unused goods intended for the traveller’s or his/her family members’ personal use or as gifts unless the type and quantity of such goods testify to their import for commercial purposes. The traveller’s own clothes, toiletries and other used items are not considered personal luggage. 

When travelling by air, a person may bring for personal use:

• 200 cigarettes or 
• 100 cigarillos (cigars weighing not more than  3 grams each), or 
• 50 cigars, or 
• 250 grams of smoking tobacco, or 
• Tobacco products in any combination provided that the percentage applied to individually determined quantities in total does not exceed 100 per cent. 

Alcoholic beverages:

• 1 litre of distilled beverages and alcohol, provided that the alcohol content exceeds  22%; non-methylated ethyl spirits with alcohol content of 80% and more, or 
• 2 litres of distilled beverages, alcohol and wine- or alcohol-based aperitifs with alcohol content not exceeding 22%; sparkling wine, dessert (liqueur) wine; 
• Above-mentioned alcoholic beverages in any combination, provided that the percentage applied to individually determined quantities in total does not exceed 100 per cent; 
• 4 litres of non-sparkling (still) wines; 
• 16 litres of beer. 

Persons under 18 years of age are not granted relief from import duty payment for tobacco products and alcohol carried into the country.
Non-alcoholic drinks and coffee, observing the value limits for movement of goods. When bringing non-alcoholic beverages and coffee from third countries, such as Russia or Belarus, the approved quantity limits for food products must be observed - in personal luggage for non-commercial purposes such food products can be brought in that do not contain the products of animal origin, provided that their total weight do not  exceed 10 kg.
   

Declaring cash 

Crossing the State border of the Republic of Latvia (both on arrival and departure) in places, which are also external border of the European Union, any natural person must declare cash if it is equivalent to or exceeds 10 000 euro, submitting a written declaration of the cash. The declaration forms are available free of charge from a competent authority at the border crossing point, as well as on State Revenue Service (SRS) homepage in Latvian, Russian or English. Declared cash is recalculated in euro using the currency exchange rate (in lats) set by the Bank of Latvia on the day of border crossing.
Additional information about declaring cash is available on SRS homepage.

 

"Traveller’s ABC"

Get more information on goods allowed for transportation in a baggage, not paying import duties, in the booklet "Traveller’s ABC" issued by the State Revenue Service (SRS): https://www.vid.gov.lv/default.aspx?tabid=11&id=87&hl=1 

You can get additional information on the conditions for movement of goods on SRS website www.vid.gov.lv  and by calling to SRS informative phone 67120000 (select the option "Customs")

Information regarding transportation of food products for personal use is available on the website of the Sanitary Border Inspection of the Food and Veterinary Service www.pvd.gov.lv .

 

Customs:  T: +371 67 207 108

 

For more information on customs in Latvia, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information  

Storage Facilities 

Aviation Cargo Transit Services (ACTS)

• Warehousing, including cold storage for 100 tonnes of cargo

• Warehouse: 2000 sq.m.

• Office building 2500 sq.m.

• Customs outdoor area 7120 sq.m.

• Maximum cargo capacity 100 000 tons/year

 

Contacts:
T: +371 67930201
E: info@cargorix.com

Global Ground, Baltic Cargo Centre 

• Warehause 1600 sq.m. (incl. cold storage 30 cub.m. and offices 450 sq.m.)

• Maximum cargo capacity 15 000 tons/year

 

Contacts:
T: +371 67 207 345
E: olegs@bkcentrs

 

AG Handling

• 4 rooms (total 56 sq.m.) for temperature-sensitive goods(-18C or +8C)

• 12sq.m. strong room for valuable goods

• 12 sq.m. strong room for firearms

• 8 sq.m. dangerous goods room

• 4 sq.m. radioactive material storage room

 

Contacts
T: +371 67 009 133
E: cargo@aghandling.lv

 

 

KOLL

• Warehause 900 sq.m.

• Office space 120 sq.m.

• Maximum cargo capacity 156 000 tons/year

• Temperature control rooms 25 sq.m.

• Cold Storage 35 sq.m.

 

Contacts:
T: +371 29 209 030 
E: koll@koll.riga.lvkoll@koll.riga.lv

   

Airfield Costs

Fuel Services Charges 

 

Cargo Terminal Charges

 http://www.riga-airport.com/en/main/b2b/aviation/airlines/airport-charges 

 

 

Security 

In order to attain high-level security throughout the EU, common rules and standards are adopted for screening of passengers, carry-on and hold baggage, and aircraft security control. Common EU regulation is adopted with regards to dangerous goods that must not be checked in. 

Sandis Stabiņš
Director 

 

Inta Smildziņa
Deputy Director 
T: (+371) 6 7207 371
F: (+371) 6 7211 767
i.smildzina@riga-airport.com

 

Armīns Vāverīte
Head of Guard Unit
T: (+371) 6 7207 482
F: (+371) 6 7211 767
a.vaverite@riga-airport.com

 

Kārlis Dombrovskis
Head of Aviation Security Unit
T: (+371) 6 7060 430
F: (+371) 6 7211 767
k.dombrovskis@riga-airport.com

 

Roberts Buks
Rescue and Firefighting service Chief
T: (+371) 6 7207 751
F: (+371) 6 7211 767
r.buks@riga-airport.com

 

Nauris Klauža
Emergency Situations management
T: (+371) 6 7207 081
F: (+371) 6 7668 260
n.klauza@riga-airport.com

 

 

Contact List  

Email: vards.uzvards@fm.gov.lv

 

 

Web Site: http://www.fm.gov.lv/en/contacts/structure_and_contact_information_of_the_ministrys_structural_units/

 

 

 

Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment BIOR
 

Address:  Lejupes Street 3, Riga, LV-1076  

Phone    : +371 67620513, fax: +371 67620434

E-mail    : bior@bior.lv

  

Working hours:  

• Administration: weekdays 8:30 - 17:00 (We suggest to contact the specialist before a visit)

• Laboratories: monday to thursday 8:30 - 16:00; on Fridays 8:30 - 15.00

 

 

• Freeport of Riga Authority 
  12 Kalpaka blvd, Riga, Latvia, LV-1010
  Phone: (+371) 67030800
  Fax: (+371) 67030835
  E-mail: info@freeportofriga.lv
  Internet: www.freeportofriga.lv
  Working hours: on weekdays from 09.00 to 18.00

   

• Freeport of Riga Harbour Master
  5a Meldru Street, Riga, Latvia, LV-1015
  Phone: (+371) 67082000
  Fax: (+371) 67322750
  E-mail: captain@rop.lv
  Working hours: from 08.00 to 17.00

 

• Freeport of Riga Authority Port Police
  3C Meldru Street, Riga, Latvia, LV-1015
  Phone: (+371) 67090704
  Operational Control Division telephone: (+371) 67090777
  Fax: (+371) 67090793
  E-mail: policija@rop.lv
  Working hours: on weekdays from 08.00 to 16.30
  Working hours of the Operational Control Division: from 00.00 to 24.00

 

 

• Accounting department (+371) 67030834, (+371) 67030824

   

• Finance department (+371) 67030812, (+371) 67030877

 

• Freeport of Riga Authority
  Reg # 90000512408
  VAT # LV90000512408
  Juridical address: 12 Kalpaka blvd, Riga, Latvia, LV-1010
  Bank Nordea Bank AB Latvijas filiāle
  Swift NDEALV2X
  IBAN LV94NDEA0000082263784 (EUR)

 

 

    

General Cargo handling Companies 

Liquid Bulk Companies Contact List

 

 

 Dry Bulk Companies 

 

Container Berth Companies

 

• RIGA Container Terminal

  Address: Eksporta iela 15k-1 Rīga, LV – 1045

  Phone: +371 67329816

  Fax: +371 67326501

  E-mail: info@rto.lv

  Website : http://www.rigact.lv/en

 

 

 

• BCT (Baltic Container Terminal)

  Address: Uriekstes iela 32 Riga LV-1005 Latvia

  E mail: info@bct.lv

  Telephone: +371 67076200

  VAT Reg. No.: LV40003288037

  Comm. Reg. No.: 40003288037

  Web Site:  http://www.bct.lv/en

 

 

 

• Riga universal terminal LTD

  Address: SIA „Riga Universal Terminal Birztalu street 15, Riga, LV-1015, Latvia

  Reg. nr. LV40003559736

  Telephone : +371 67887200

  Fax: +371 67887224

  E-mail: info@ruterminal.lv

  Website: http://www.ruterminal.lv

   

 

Berthing Tugs service providers

 

 

• Forio

  Address: Tvaika iela 64-21, Rīga, LV-1034, Latvija

  Email: info@forio.lv

  Telephone: +371 67385156

  Fax: +371 67385186

  Registration nr: 40003931424

 

 

 

• PKL Flote

  Address: Tvaika iela 37a, Rīga, LV-1034, Latvija

  Email: info@pkl.lv

  Telephone: +371 67391290

  Fax: +371 67341199

  Registration nr: 40003643581

 

 

 

• Rīgas Kuģu būvētava

  Address: Gāles 2, Rīga LV-1015, Latvija

  Email: riga@riga-shipyard.com

  Telephone: +371 67353433

  Fax: +371 67353994

  Registration nr: 40003045892

   

• Strek

  Address: Uriekstes 9, Rīga LV-1005 Latvija

  Email: velkonis@strek.lv

  Telephone: +371 29532985, +371 29208322

  Fax: +371 67220369

  Registration nr: 40003034583

 

 

 

• Vižņi

  Address: Zilā iela 5 Rīga LV-1007 Latvija

  Email: tanja@vizni-jurmala.com

  Telephone: +371 67430603

  Fax: +371 67346515

  Registration nr: 40103145014

 

 

 

Water Barges/floating equipment service providers

 

 

 

• BMGS

  Address: Ģertrūdes 33/35, Rīga LV-1011, Latvija

  Email: info@bmgs.lv

  Telephone: +371 67272717

  Fax:+371 67315197

  Website: http://www.bmgs.lv

  Registration nr: 40003146013

 

 

 

• Rīgas Kuģu būvētava

  Address: Gāles 2 Rīga LV-1015 Latvija

  Email: riga@riga-shipyard.com

  Telephone: +371 67353433

  Fax: +371 67353994

  Website: http://www.riga-shipyard.com

  Registration nr: 40003045892

 

 

 

• Universal-Remont

  Address: Voleri 1 Rīga LV-1007 Latvija

  Telephone: +371 67617733

  Registration nr: 40103027342

Shipping Lines  

Regular shipping line status at the Riga port is granted to container, ro-ro and passenger transportation service providers with the aim to facilitate the said cargo and passenger flow attraction. Regular shipping line status provides such benefits as the port dues discounts that are applied for every vessel’s port call, depending on the number of vessel calls per year. Line status and rebate application procedure are stipulated in the Port Dues and Charges of the Port of Riga. 

In 2017 an agreement with the Freeport of Riga Authority was concluded by 6 container shipping lines and one passenger line.

 

RIX GH Services 

Contacts:

GSM: (+371)29233017 

          (+371)67207136 

VHF freq: 121.775, Riga handling/ 118.8, Riga ground

Aircraft Engineering & Maintenance

RIX MRO

T: +371 67 319 901

F: +371 67 207 479

E: concors@concors.lv

RAF AVIA

T: +371 67 324 661

F: +371 67 324 671

E: rafavia@mailinterfeis.lv

NORTHERN AEROTECH

T: +45 22 79 99 40

E: info@northern-aerotech.com

AIR BALTIC CORPORATION

T: 371 67 207 7505

E: info@airbaltic.lv

FBO RIGA

T: +371 67 668 676

E: ops@riga.aero

AIRLINE SUPPORT BALTIC

T: +371 29 421 497

E: info@airsup.lv

 

Catering

AIR BALTIC CORPORATION

T: +371 67 207 260

E: VLS@airbaltic.lv

LATAUTOAVIA

T: +371 67 207 146

E: latautoavia@latautoavia.lv

HAVAS LATVIA

Contact: S.Zitcers

T: +371 67 788 303

E: szitcers@havas.net

Customs: T: +371 67 207 108

De-icing

AIR BALTIC CORPORATION

T: +371 67 207 260

E: VLS@airbaltic.lv

LATAUTOAVIA

T: +371 67 207 146

E: latautoavia@latautoavia.lv

HAVAS LATVIA

Contact: S.Zitcers

T: +371 67 788 303

E: szitcers@havas.net

 

Fuel

GULFSTREAM OIL

T: +371 67 207 603

E: gulfoil@latnet.lv

RIXJET RIGA

M: +371 26 555 364

E: mikelis.jansons@rixjetriga.lv

T: +371 26 119 555 (Dispatch 24/7)

BALTIC GROUND SERVICES LV

T : +371 264 455 73

E: ops.rix@bgs.aero

Ground Handling

SJSC RIGA International Airport

Contact: G.Garins

T: (+371) 67 207 989

E: g.garins@riga-airport.com

HAVAS LATVIA

Contact:S.Zitcers

T: +371 67 788 303

E: szitcers@havas.net

 

CARGO Ground Handling

NORTH HUB CARGO –BALTIJAS KRAVU CENTRS
T: +371 67 207 345
T: +371 67 068 777
F: +371 67 068 779
F: +371 67 207 966
E: oke@northhubcargo.com

SITA: RIXFKBT KOLL
T: +371 67 009 204
T: +371 67 009 201
T: +371 67 207 637
E: koll@koll.riga.lv

 

AVIATION CARGO TRANSIT SERVICES
Tālr.: +371 67 930 201
Fakss: +371 67 930 200
E-pasts: info@cargorix.com
www.cargorix.com

 

AG HANLING
Tālr.: +371 67 009 133
Fakss: +371 67 009 134
cargo@aghandling.lv

 

AVIATION SERVICE
Tālr.: +371 22 306 684
E-pasts: avservice@apollo.lv

EKL/LS (UPS)
T: + 371 67 805 650
F: +371 67 805 648
E: lvinfo@ups.com
www.ekl-ls.lv

 

DHL LATVIA
T: +371 66 010 000
www.dhl.lv | www.dhl.com

 

TNT LATVIA
T: +371 67 668 000
F: +371 67 668 001
E: tnt.latvia@tnt.com
www.tnt.lv

Police Station Immigration

 T: +371 67 207 002