Costlier non-EU parcels and heating, higher benefits: what changes in Latvia in November

Several changes affecting household budgets and national politics are due in Latvia in November 2026. The news portal Delfi has compiled the main ones.

Pricier purchases from outside the EU

From 1 November, ordering goods from countries outside the European Union (EU), for example via platforms such as Temu, AliExpress and Shein, becomes more expensive again. It is the second increase in six months. Since 1 July, a customs duty of three euros has applied to each item in a consignment worth up to 150 euros. Now a handling fee (the Union handling fee) of another two euros per item will be added. As a result, each item will cost at least five euros more than a year ago, not counting value-added tax.

Heating and benefits

Heating tariffs will rise in several cities, although in Riga the increase is planned for December. The housing benefit for low-income residents will go up, while the rules for paying the child care benefit to parents of newborns will change.

Politics and other changes

The newly elected Saeima, Latvia's parliament, begins work, and a new government is promised by 18 November. For the whole of November, Latvia will for the first time preside over the United Nations (UN) Security Council. Some of the autumn fishing bans will end, and the holiday calendar includes a shortened working day and a day off.