Central Statistical Bureau to Publish Monthly Data on Firms Trading with Russia and Belarus

Amendments to the Law on Support for Ukrainian Civilians, effective June 27, require the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) to publish monthly on its website a list of companies registered in Latvia that export goods to Russia or Belarus or import from these countries. The State Revenue Service will provide the data, including the company's name and registration number.

Previously, such information was not publicly available due to tax confidentiality restrictions. The new Article 24 of the law exempts this data from confidentiality rules. The stated goal is to strengthen Latvia's solidarity with Ukraine and enable other businesses to avoid cooperating with companies that trade with aggressor states.

The amendments have sparked debate about potential legal consequences. The Saeima Legal Office warned of risks such as unfair competition and investment disputes, as companies that have not violated sanctions may face stigmatization. Additionally, amendments to the Public Procurement Law, effective June 9, allow contracting authorities to exclude bidders that have traded with Russia or Belarus in the past four months, as evidenced by the public list.

The Cabinet of Ministers responded that the publication itself does not create legal consequences – these arise only if other regulations impose additional restrictions. The Public Procurement Law includes an exception: if the procurement is essential for public interests such as security or health, the authority may choose not to exclude the company.

The government acknowledges that publication may indirectly affect personal data protection, as the public can identify company owners or managers. However, commercial activity is not considered a highly protected part of private life. The CSB plans to provide explanations to mitigate reputational risks for companies acting lawfully.