Guide to Sending Parcels to Latvia

Little Latvia - barely bigger than Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island combined - has used its location to its commercial advantage for centuries. Facing the Baltic Sea, Latvia is on an east-west corridor between the North Sea nations and Moscow. And it has been thus for centuries - ancient Latvians (the Balts) were known to trade their valuable amber with the faraway Byzantines and Romans.

To this day, Latvia continues to have an open economy, which helps explain the country experiencing a 6.8% annual growth rate of its e-commerce activity. And since Latvians like hockey almost as much as Canadians, we have even more reasons to ship goods there.

Information for this page was taken from Latvia’s State Revenue Service and the Official Journal of the European Union.

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Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to Latvia through a variety of carriers using Secureship

Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to Latvia. In case you are an everyday shopper or a business, you can easily save up to 50% on your international shipping costs by way of accessing our group buying power.

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IconEasy Tracking Information

Shipments through Secureship come with full, easy to read tracking information to Latvia


IconDisclaimer

While we have made every effort to ensure that the information on this page is accurate, Customs laws and procedures change regularly so it is important to consult a licensed broker in Latvia before shipping any goods.

Full tracking information for parcels to Latvia is available with Secureship
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Oct 7, 2024
8:49 am
Cesis, CE, LA
Delivered
Oct 6, 2024
7:18 am
Ventspils, VE, LA
In transit
Oct 5, 2024
9:03 pm
Jurmala, JU, LA
International Clearance
Oct 5, 2024
8:14 am
Valmiera, VA, LA
In transit
Oct 5, 2024
12:17 am
Toronto, ON, CA
In transit
Oct 4, 2024
4:30 pm
Ottawa, ON, CA
Pickup Scan

IconTypes of Shipments

Not all types of shipments are created equal. Shipping a television will require different paperwork, duties, and taxes than shipping an accounting statement, for example.

Shipping Documents Only to LatviaDocuments Only

The following documents may be shipped from Canada to Latvia duty-free provided they have no commercial value.

Document shipments include:

  • Bids
  • Driver's licence
  • Diplomas
  • Examination papers
  • Visa applications

The following items may also be shipped from Canada to Latvia duty-free providing they meet the criteria shown below:

Item Restriction
Airline tickets Must be validated
Annual Reports Must only be shipped to shareholders or company officials
Blueprints Must have no commercial value and are for intercompany use or as a bid invitation (for example, architectural plans for an EU contract)
Brochures Must be for intercompany use or for non-commercial purposes
Business cards A maximum of 15 business cards allowed
Cheques Only personalised cheques allowed
Credit cards Must be personalised
Event tickets (for concerts, stage performances, football (soccer) matches) A maximum of 10 kg per shipment Cannot be from a printing company to a ticket sales office or an organiser of an event
Greeting cards and invitations Considered as documents only if personalised
Manuals Only if technical and in a number appropriate to the purpose
Negatives, slides or print films Only if sent to a press or publishing agency and have had no value added through press or editorial charges
Newsletters Only intercompany documents for internal use and with no commercial value Cannot be from a publisher or printing company
Newspapers Only those for non-commercial purposes are authorised
Stationery Must be personalised and without commercial value The number of items is appropriate for personal use
Traveller's cheques Must be personalised

Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_US

Shipping Gifts to LatviaShipping Gifts

Shipping gifts from Canada to Latvia with a value of €45 (about $65 CAD) or less will not incur duty.


Tobacco products, alcohol, cosmetics and perfumes may also be shipped as gifts but within certain restrictions (see table below).

Items Restrictions
Tobacco products
  • 50 cigarettes; or
  • 25 cigarillos (cigars weighing a maximum of 3 g per unit); or
  • 10 cigars or 50 g of smoking tobacco
Alcohol
  • Maximum of 1 L of distilled spirits
  • Maximum of 2 L of wine
Perfumes and cologne 50 g or 250 mL
Coffee 500 g (extracts and essences 200 g)
Tea extracts or essences 40 g

Shipments from Individual-to-Individual

An individual in Canada sending a gift shipment to an individual in Latvia of €45 (about $65 CAD) or less will be exempt from duty with some restrictions for certain products such as alcohol, tobacco products, cosmetics, and perfumes.

Shipments from Business-to-Business

Shipment of a gift to a business in Latvia will be charged duties and taxes. Also, gifts sent to an individual care of a business address will also incur taxes and charges regardless of the value of the gift.

Shipments from Business-to-Individual

Shipping a gift to an individual to their work address will be viewed as a commercial shipment and will incur duties and taxes.

Gift Checklist

  • A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
  • The words 'Gift Shipment' or 'Unsolicited Gift' are included on the commercial invoice, even if the shipment is sent at Christmas time (see sample)
  • List the items in the parcel and write the value of each
  • Sending more than one gift in the parcel? Wrap and tag each one individually.

Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts

Ship To Invoice
Jānis Čakste
Liela iela 1A
Jelgava
3001 Latvia

Phone: +371 22 369 875
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal Shipment / Gift Shipment

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
1 Each Gift Shipment: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set

CA $79.99
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Gifts
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $79.99
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge


Multiple Gifts in One Shipment

Multiple gifts sent in one shipment should be wrapped and tagged individually.

Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts

Ship To Invoice
Jānis Čakste
Liela iela 1A
Jelgava
3001 Latvia

Phone: +371 22 369 875
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
1 Each Gift - Roger: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set

CA $39.99
1 Each Gift - Erica: Handwoven French Canadian Catalogne Blanket

CA $49.99
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Gifts
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $89.98
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

Shipping personal effects/belongings to LatviaShipping Personal Effects

People moving to Latvia to reside may import their personal property free from duty and tax provided they are intended to be used as household goods and:

  • They have lived outside of Latvia for more than 1 year
  • Their goods are intended for the same purpose in the new household
  • The effects are used and have been owned for 6 months or more
  • Their personal goods are declared within 12 months from moving to Latvia

Personal property means any items intended for the personal use of its owner and his or her family members. These goods include:

  • Clothing and linens
  • Household furniture and appliances
  • Portable instruments required for the practice of a profession or trade

The following items are excluded from the duty exemption:

  • Tobacco and tobacco products
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Materials for professional use

Moving Temporarily

Students

Students moving to Latvia temporarily to study may ship their personal belongings duty-free. They must provide proof of enrollment in an educational institution and a photocopy of their passport.

Personal belongings include items such as:

  • Educational materials (paper, pens, calculator, computer, and books)
  • Furniture used during their studies such as a desk and a chair
  • Household goods such as linens, shoes, and clothing
Non-Students

Non-students moving to reside in Latvia temporarily can import their goods exempt from duty and tax provided they are intended to be used as household goods and:

  • They provide an employment contract or certificate from an employer containing a termination date or a clear end date of the contract
  • They have lived outside of Latvia for a minimum of 1 year
  • Their goods are used and have been owned for 6 months or more
  • Proof of residence in Latvia or a certificate of registration

Moving Permanently

Returning Latvians may ship their goods free of duty providing:

  • They have resided outside Latvia for more than 12 months
  • All required documents have been approved by Latvian Customs prior to the arrival of the shipment
Personal Effects Checklist
  • A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
  • Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Personal Effects' (see sample)
  • For students, provide proof of enrollment in a Latvian educational institute
  • For foreigners moving temporarily, provide proof of employment in Latvia

Sources:
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A32009R1186

Sample Commercial Invoice for Personal Effects

Ship To Invoice
Jānis Čakste
Liela iela 1A
Jelgava
3001 Latvia

Phone: +371 22 369 875
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal effects being delivered to my new address.

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
5 Pairs Personal Effects: 5 pairs of various types of shoes

IN $40.00
1 Each Personal Effects: Arc'terix Winter Jacket

CA $478.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Personal Effects
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $678.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

Shipping Food, Chocolate, Candies to LatviaFood, Chocolate, Candies

Food and food items like candy and chocolate can be shipped to Latvia providing they correspond to the regulations and standards established by the European Union.

You May Ship

  • Chocolate
  • Candy
  • Baked goods providing they do not contain meat products
  • Meat concentrates and extracts
  • Food supplements
  • Pasta and vermicelli without meat products
  • Olives stuffed with fish
  • Broths
  • Powdered baby milk and food, and foods for special medical diets*
  • Honey*
  • Caviar (maximum 125 g)
  • Cooked, cured, or smoked fish (maximum 20 kg)

*Maximum of 2 kg

Do Not Ship

  • Meat and meat products
  • Dairy products
  • Margarine of animal origin
  • Perishable items
Food, Chocolate, Candies Checklist
  • Clearly indicate 'Food' on the commercial invoice in the General Description or Remarks section (see sample)
  • Ensure that your food, chocolate, or candies may be imported into the country
  • You are not shipping commercial quantities (for any duty & tax exemption)
  • Check with your carrier that they will accept food shipments

Sources:
https://www.vid.gov.lv/lv/ierobezojumi-un-aizliegumi-precu-parvietosanai

Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies

Ship To Invoice
Jānis Čakste
Liela iela 1A
Jelgava
3001 Latvia

Phone: +371 22 369 875
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Food Shipment - Assorted chocolate bars in their original manufacturer's packaging

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
1 Box Nestle Chocolate Bars in original packaging expiring May 2021 (shelf life of 6 months or longer)

CA $20.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Permanent / Sold
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

Shipping Promotional Material to LatviaSamples

Commercial samples are those shipped for demonstration purposes at meetings and trade fairs. The objective is to encourage future orders of the samples, not to sell them.


Samples shipped from Canada to Latvia are exempt from duty if:

  • They are of negligible value - maximum of €22 (about $35 CAD)
  • Shipment weighs no more than 10 kg
  • They are shipped free of charge
  • They are intended to promote future orders of the product
  • The goods are supplied directly from outside Latvia

An ATA Carnet can be used to ship samples with no commercial value. See Temporary Imports section for more details.

Commercial Sample Checklist
  • A Commercial Invoice must be included with your shipment
  • Clearly indicate 'Commercial Samples' on the commercial invoice in the General Description & Detailed Description of Goods (see sample)
  • The item shipped has tearing, perforation, slashing, defacing, or has permanent marking clearing indicating the item as commercial sample
  • Shipment is labelled: 'Mutilated Samples' or 'Marked Samples not for Resale'

Sources:
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/LV/TXT/?qid=1571315857498&uri=CELEX:02015R2446-20190725 (English version here)
https://ec.europa.eu/world/agreements/prepareCreateTreatiesWorkspace/treatiesGeneralData.do?step=0&redirect=true&treatyId=533

Sample Commercial Invoice for Commercial Sample

Ship To Invoice
Jānis Čakste
Liela iela 1A
Jelgava
3001 Latvia

Phone: +371 22 369 875
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Commercial Sample - Not for Resale

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
1 Box Commercial Sample - Advanced reading copy of Dan Brown's novel.

CA $20.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Commercial Sample
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

Sending Promotional material to LatviaAdvertising Material

Printed material shipped to Latvia from Canada will not incur duty provided it is intended for advertising purposes. This includes:

  • Posters, brochures
  • Catalogues
  • Price lists
  • Calendars
  • Instructions for use
  • Unframed photographs

When shipping advertising material to Latvia from Canada, ensure that:

  • Package weight is a maximum of 1 kg
  • Forms clearly show the name of the company that produces, sells, or leases the goods or that supplies the advertised services
  • A shipment with printed advertisements must be for only one service or product

Advertising material shipped for display at a trade fair or exhibition may also be sent using an ATA carnet. See Temporary Imports for details.

Advertising Material Checklist
  • Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Promotional Material - Not for Resale' (see sample)
  • A detailed description of each item is provided
  • Be sure to abide by the rules mentioned above

Sources:
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/LV/TXT/?qid=1571315857498&uri=CELEX:02015R2446-20190725
https://ec.europa.eu/world/agreements/prepareCreateTreatiesWorkspace/treatiesGeneralData.do?step=0&redirect=true&treatyId=533

Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material

Ship To Invoice
Jānis Čakste
Liela iela 1A
Jelgava
3001 Latvia

Phone: +371 22 369 875
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
1 Each Promotional Material: Not for Resale. Product pamphlets to hand out at trade show.

CA $163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Promotional Material
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

Have your goods warranty repaired in LatviaRepairs

Sending equipment to be repaired in Latvia is fairly simple. Items shipped from Canada to Latvia for repair will be exempt from duty and VAT as long as they are under warranty. Items repaired in Canada under warranty and returned to Latvia will not incur VAT.

Items Under Warranty

As Canada and Latvia share a free-trade agreement (CETA), repairs under warranty returning to Canada from Latvia are duty-free and will not be charged GST.

Items No Longer Under Warranty

Items longer under warranty that are returned to Canada from Latvia will be charged GST. The GST will be charged on the value of the repair and on any parts required for the repair.

Sending Product for Repair to Latvia

Equipment sent to Latvia for repair will be exempt from duty and VAT.

Returning Repaired Product to Latvia

Equipment repaired in Canada under a warranty will not incur duty and taxes when they re-enter Latvia.

Repair Checklist
  • Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'REPAIR & RETURN' under the General Description or Remarks, and include the estimated time of return(see sample)
  • Include repair contract with shipment
  • Serial or product number and the cost of repairs should be indicated under the Detailed Description of Goods section
  • Include the original shipping documents or tracking number from when the item was first exported to Latvia or exported to Canada (depending on which case applies)
  • A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment

Sources:
https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d8/d8-2-10-eng.html
https://www.vid.gov.lv/lv/ievesana-parstradei
https://latvija.lv/ppk/uznemejdarbiba/muita-precu-parvietosana/p925/procesaapraksts

Sample Commercial Invoice for Warranty Repair

Ship To Invoice
Jānis Čakste
Liela iela 1A
Jelgava
3001 Latvia

Phone: +371 22 369 875
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
1 Each Fossil Watch being sent for repair - Model E5, serial # 789456FG7E2 - Repair Cost $76.00

US $163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Warranty Repair
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

Temporary Imports / Exports for shipments to LatviaTemporary Imports

Temporary imports entering Latvia will be exempt from duties and taxes for a period up to 24 months. These temporary imports may include an article shipped to Latvia for repair or for display at an exhibition.


Temporary imports often include the following:

  • Professional and scientific equipment
  • Instruments required to evaluate and test the operation of other goods and equipment
  • Commercial samples
  • Items that will be used or displayed at an exhibition, fair, or trade show
  • Tools and specialised equipment required for repairing, exploring, producing, or manufacturing
  • Materials and goods to be used for concerts and other artistic events

NOTE: Advertising material shipped for display at a trade fair or exhibition may be sent using an ATA Carnet.


Temporary imports must respect the following regulations:

  • Goods may not stay in Latvia no longer than 24 months
  • The goods are not to be altered except through natural wear-and-tear

Qualifying for Duty & Tax Free Temporary Import

In order to import your goods duty and tax free into Latvia, you can pick from Option 1 or 2 of the Temporary Import Methods listed below.

Each option has its pros and cons. Regardless, each of the following methods requires you to complete a commercial invoice (CI). More details below.

Option # Temporary Import Method Risk of paying
1 Commercial Invoice Only (no other documentation is provided) High - if broker cannot clear goods temporarily
2 Commercial Invoice + ATA Carnet Very Low
1. Complete a Commercial Invoice (CI) only


This is the simplest and quickest option. See example.

NOTE: You should be aware that shipping using this method doesn't guarantee that your items will be imported duty/tax free. Not all brokers will clear goods as temporary imports (i.e. UPS, Fedex, DHL) nor is it a guarantee that customs won't charge any duties and taxes.


2. Commercial Invoice (CI) + an ATA Carnet


Completing an ATA Carnet is great option for items that frequently travel in and out of the country. It's also great because once you have an ATA Carnet, it is accepted by 176 countries worldwide making the application process a one-time thing.

In addition to declaring your commercial invoice as a temporary import, you can get an ATA Carnet for the items that are of temporary nature.

ATA Carnets are beyond the scope of the article however, you can find more information here: http://www.chamber.ca/carnet/

NOTE: It is highly recommended to get an ATA Carnet for items that frequently travel in and out of the country and especially so when it is valued over $2,500 USD

In addition to the 2 options above, the following criteria must also be met in order to qualify for a duty and VAT free exemption:

  • The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
  • Stay no longer than 24 months in Latvia

NOTE:

  • If the above conditions are not followed, duties and taxes will be charged as though the goods have been imported permanently.
  • Your Customs broker can clear goods of a temporary nature (FedEx, UPS, DHL, etc. typically CANNOT clear goods of temporary nature).
Temporary Imports Checklist
  • Commercial Invoice clearly stating 'Temporary Import'. This must be written in the General Description section and the Detailed Description of Goods. (see sample)
  • The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
  • Stay no longer than the period listed above
  • Include your ATA Carnet with your shipment (if applicable)
  • Include the expected return date or the date that it was originally received within the country (whichever applies)
  • Any above listed items not listed in this checklist

Sources:
https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/specific-use_en
https://chamber.ca/fr/service/services-dimportation-exportation/carnet-ata/
https://www.vid.gov.lv/lv/pagaidu-ievesana-ar-ata-karneti

 

Sample Commercial Invoice for Temporary Imports

Ship To Invoice
Jānis Čakste
Liela iela 1A
Jelgava
3001 Latvia

Phone: +371 22 369 875
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment returning Jan 2020

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
1 box Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment

CA $1032.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Temporary Imports
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1032.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

Permanent Goods / Sold To an individual or business within LatviaPermanent/Sold Goods

The duty threshold for shipments from Canada to Latvia is €150 (about $225 CAD). Therefore, duty is only incurred if the value of the shipment is above €150.


Starting 1 July 2021, all shipments to Latvia, regardless of value, will incur VAT.

Occasional Shipper

If you only ship occasionally to Latvia, for example via eBay, the process is simple. You will need to:

  • Provide a detailed description of the goods on the commercial invoice (in order to avoid customs delays).
  • Include 3 copies of the commercial invoice with your shipment

NOTE:
An Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number is NOT needed if you are shipping as a private individual.

Regular shipper

If you regularly sell and ship goods to Latvia, we suggest you seek advice from a licenced customs broker in Latvia

There may be specific requirements to consider, for instance, obtaining an Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number.

Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_US
https://latvija.lv/lv/PPK/dzives-situacija/apakssituacija/p7904/ProcesaApraksts
https://www.vid.gov.lv/sites/default/files/en_ps_klasifikators_vid.gov_.lv__1.pdf

Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods

Ship To Invoice
Jānis Čakste
Liela iela 1A
Jelgava
3001 Latvia

Phone: +371 22 369 875
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Permanent/Sold: Parts and accessories for Canon B78n camera

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
15 Each Camera Lenses: Canon EF 50mm, Canon EF 85mm & wide-angle lenses.

CA $132.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Permanent/Sold
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1980.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

IconRequired Documents

Shipping packages internationally requires a lot of documentation. This process alone can be confusing and time-consuming. So we’ve narrowed down what documents you might need and ranked them based on likeliness of being needed.

Document Type When? Details
Shipping Label / Bill of Lading Always required This is a label provided by the carrier (UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.). Always required because the carrier needs to know the parcel's destination.
Commercial Invoice Required for all non-document shipments
For all non-document shipments, you will require 3 copies of the commercial invoice (to be included with your shipping labels). These are for customs purposes and need to be included inside a document pouch outside of the box.

When creating a shipment through the Secureship website, the system will help you create this document automatically.

B13a Required if value exceeds $2,000 per shipment or is a controlled good
A B13a is required if your shipment exceeds $2000 CAD or is a controlled good
and is destined to a country other than the US, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands

Learn more about the B13a form here.
Certificate of Origin (COO) Infrequently required

Allows a reduced or zero-rated import duty.
Canada has a preferential trade agreement with Latvia. A COO proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in Canada.

When an item with a COO is imported into Latvia, it will incur a reduced or zero-rated import duty.
Certificate of Insurance (COI) Infrequently required

Shows that the shipment has been insured.
Banks may request a certificate of insurance when providing letters of credit for the goods. Otherwise, it is generally your choice whether to purchase insurance for the shipment.
ATA Carnet Infrequently required

Used to avoid duties and taxes on shipments of temporary nature.
If you ship goods of temporary nature to and from a country, you can obtain an ATA Carnet to expedite the customs clearance process and ensure that anything of temporary nature is not charged duties and taxes.

See Temporary import section
Packing list Infrequently required

No specific form is required, but generally includes information regarding:

  • The exporter, importer and transport company
  • Date of issue
  • Number of freight invoice
  • Type and number of packages
  • Contents of each package
  • Marks and numbers
  • Net weight, gross weight and measurements of each package

Prohibited & Restricted Imports

Prohibited goods are not allowed to be shipped to Latvia while restricted goods indicate there are rules that apply to the amount or who may send them.

Prohibited Items

  • Narcotic or psychotropic substances
  • Material related to child pornography, necrophilia, or violence of pornographic nature
  • Explosive, flammable, radioactive, perishable biological substances, and infectious substances
  • Money, coins, and banknotes

Restricted Goods

  • Furniture
  • Vegetables, and their derived products
  • Nuts in their shells
  • Plants and plant products for personal consumption
  • Medications

For additional information on criteria related to restricted items, click here.

Sources:
https://www.vid.gov.lv/lv/ierobezojumi-un-aizliegumi-precu-parvietosanai
https://likumi.lv/ta/id/193574#p24

Duty & Taxes

Shipments to Latvia will be subject to VAT and duty charges calculated using the CIF method, i.e. the sum of the customs value plus insurance fees plus freight costs.

CIF Value = Customs Value + Insurance Amount + Freight Costs

By knowing the CIF value of a shipment, you will be able to predict the duty and taxes owed by the recipient.

Thresholds

Some countries provide a duty and tax threshold (also called the de minimis value), which indicates that below a certain amount no duty or taxes are incurred on the import of that shipment.

In Latvia, a shipment valued at €150 (about $225 CAD) or less will be duty-free; however, VAT will be incurred regardless of the value of the shipment.


Currency Euro (EUR) - €
Duty Exemption (De minimis Value) €150 (about $225 CAD)
Duty Calculation Method CIF
TAX (VAT) 21%
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value)
€0*
Tax Calculation Method CIF

*From 1 July 2021, all shipments to Latvia will incur VAT regardless of value.

NOTE:
Even if an item was purchased on or before 30 June 2021 but arrives in Latvia on July 1 2021 or later, it will be liable to VAT charges.

Duties on Imports

Excise Taxes

Latvia imposes excise duties on:

  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Beverages containing added sugar or other sweeteners
  • Tobacco and tobacco products

Additional information on specific excise duty rates can be found here.


CETA is the trade agreement between the European Union (EU) and Canada. Through this agreement, most goods sent from Canada to Latvia are duty-free.


  • Candy0%
  • Chocolate0%
  • Spirits and WinesVariable
  • TobaccoVariable
  • Books0%
  • Documents0%
  • Video Games & Consoles0%
  • Computers & Laptops0%
  • Tablets0%
  • Mobiles0%
  • Cameras0%
  • Accessories for Electronics0%
  • Coats0%
  • Beauty Products & Cosmetics0%
  • Jewellery0%
  • Shirts & Pants0%
  • Home Appliances0%
  • Toys0%
  • Sports Equipment0%

Sources:
https://www.vid.gov.lv/lv/izmainas-no-2021gada
https://www.tariffinder.ca/en/getStarted
https://taxsummaries.pwc.com/latvia/corporate/other-taxes#:~:text=Customs%20duty%20is%20levied%20on,Exports%20are%20generally%20exempt

IconLatvia Shipping Insurance

You can purchase insurance through Secureship, and it is provided by the carrier that will be transporting your shipment.

Each carrier will charge a different amount per $100 of declared insurance. If you indicate that you need insurance for your shipment, our system will automatically include the insurance costs for your shipment.

Insurance is great to have in case your package is accidentally lost or damaged by the carrier. But be careful, not everything you ship is insurable. Worse - even if your package contains items that are insurable, if it doesn't meet the ISTA 3A packaging standard, the insurance purchased through the carrier would not be available to you.

Here are some items that cannot be insured by the carrier:

  • Personal belongings
  • Antiques
  • Artwork
  • Liquids (including alcohol)
  • Televisions
  • Jewellery in excess of $500
  • Perishable goods
  • Glass or Ceramic
  • And many more items

For more information, please see the carrier's terms and conditions.

Questions about Shipping to Latvia

Can I ship to Latvia?

Shipping to Latvia from Canada can take between 3-5 business days through the fastest carriers available on the Secureship platform. More economical services, such as Canada Post, can take up to 1-2 months to complete the delivery.

Find out how fast the Secureship trusted carriers can get your shipment delivered to Latvia by getting a quote now.


Does UPS ship to Latvia?

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How much is it to send a parcel to Latvia?

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What is the cheapest way to ship from Canada to Latvia?

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