State clarifies procedure for suppliers to reclaim goods from “Mere” stores

Latvia's Ministry of Agriculture (ZM) has announced that a clear procedure now exists for food suppliers to the “Mere” store chain to recover goods still belonging to them. Suppliers holding perishable goods of animal origin that remain in “Mere” stores, or that have already been returned to them, are asked to notify the Food and Veterinary Service (PVD) to ensure food safety rules are followed.

The situation arose after the European Union imposed sanctions on the companies operating the “Mere” chain in Latvia. To address the resulting problems, experts from the Ministry of Agriculture, the Food and Veterinary Service, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the State Revenue Service and the Financial Intelligence Unit (FID) worked together on a solution.

Permit already in effect

On 6 August 2026, the FID issued a general administrative act allowing suppliers to reclaim goods held by sanctioned companies without needing a separate individual permit. Suppliers, employees and the sanctioned companies are permitted to communicate with one another to resolve practical and civil-law matters, within the limits set by sanctions regulations. Payments to suppliers may also be made using funds belonging to the sanctioned companies, following the prescribed procedure. The ministry stresses that sanctions do not cancel companies' obligations to suppliers, though all payments must comply with sanctions requirements.

Involved institutions will continue coordinating to prevent sanctions evasion or any resumption of normal business activity by the sanctioned companies. The ministry notes this is the first case of its kind in Latvia, and lessons have already been drawn for future situations.

Background: why “Mere” closed

The “Mere” chain in Latvia was operated by SIA “Latprodukti,” whose ultimate beneficial owner is Russian businessman Sergei Schneider, listed under the EU's 21st sanctions package for supporting actions against Ukraine's sovereignty. As a result, the company had to immediately halt operations. “Latprodukti” reported turnover of €31.57 million in 2024 but posted a loss. Latvia had 12 “Mere” stores across several cities.