FID: Suppliers can reclaim goods from sanctioned “Mere” stores since August 7

Latvia's Financial Intelligence Unit (FID) has confirmed that Latvian manufacturers and suppliers, including food producers, have been able to reclaim their goods from the sanctioned “Mere” retail chain since August 7. No separate FID authorization is required for this.

Background on the sanctions

On July 23, 2026, the European Union imposed targeted financial sanctions on Russian businessman Sergei Shnaider. Because he indirectly holds more than 50% of the capital shares in companies managing the “Mere” store chain in Latvia, the sanctions also apply to SIA “LATPRODUKTI” and the Latvian branch of UAB “Valiente.” As a result, these companies had to halt their normal business operations, and their funds and economic resources were frozen.

Why goods can still be recovered

To protect the interests of local producers and suppliers, FID issued a general administrative act on August 6 allowing goods held by the sanctioned companies but belonging to others to be released. Under this act, such goods, including food products, may be handed over to their rightful owners without a separate FID permit. Goods that have lost economic value or no longer qualify as freezable economic resources can be handled according to other applicable regulations, including food safety requirements.

Where to find information and what is allowed

Updated information is available at sankcijas.fid.gov.lv, where the agency also provides consultations and maintains contact with involved parties. FID aims to minimize the impact of sanctions on employees and suppliers who are not themselves under sanctions, while ensuring the sanctions are not violated or circumvented. Suppliers, employees, and the sanctioned companies may communicate with each other to resolve practical and civil-law matters within the set limits, though the sanctioned companies are not permitted to resume normal commercial activity. Since April 1, 2024, FID has been the competent authority for sanctions enforcement in Latvia, while sanctions policy is set by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.