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.
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.
Shipments through Secureship come with full, easy to read tracking information to Latvia
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Jun 1, 2023
8:49 am
Cesis, CE, LA
Delivered
May 31, 2023
7:18 am
Ventspils, VE, LA
In transit
May 30, 2023
9:03 pm
Jurmala, JU, LA
International Clearance
May 30, 2023
8:14 am
Valmiera, VA, LA
In transit
May 30, 2023
12:17 am
Toronto, ON, CA
In transit
May 29, 2023
4:30 pm
Ottawa, ON, CA
Pickup Scan
Disclaimer!
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.
Types 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.
Here is a list of the most common types of shipments:
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: 29 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: 29 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
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
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal effects being delivered to my new address.
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 29 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
Food, 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
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: 29 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
Samples
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'
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: 29 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
Repairs
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
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 29 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
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.
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
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment returning Jan 2020
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 29 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/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
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: 29 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
Required 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
