Latvia Plans to Ban Imports of Russian and Belarusian Books, Clothing, and Toys
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has drafted a law to ban the import of several industrial goods from Russia and Belarus, including books, clothing, and toys, which are not covered by EU sanctions.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) was tasked with submitting a proposal to the Cabinet of Ministers by August 31 to impose a national import ban on certain goods from Russia and Belarus. These goods include books, newspapers, video games, sports equipment, toys, clothing, and footwear.
According to the MFA, imports of these goods from both countries amount to €12.5 million, or 6.5% of the relevant category, which is 0.05% of Latvia's total imports. To implement the ban, the ministry drafted amendments to the Law on Support for Civilian Populations of Ukraine, establishing exceptions and prohibiting the import of these goods from the aggressor countries as well as from other third countries.
The draft law applies to industrial goods not included in the European Union's restrictive measures. The MFA states that aggressor countries seek to maximize exports of their goods by offering them at lower prices, negatively affecting the income and welfare of EU and Latvian producers, and posing economic threats, especially for a border state.
The ban does not apply to goods in transit through Latvian territory to other EU member states.
