Latvia bans imports of clothing, toys, books from Russia, Belarus

Latvia has banned the import of a range of goods from Russia and Belarus, including clothing, toys, books and sports equipment.

The ban took effect on September 1 under a law approved by the Latvian government last month, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

It covers printed books, newspapers and other printed materials, as well as clothing, finished textile products, footwear, headwear, toys, games and sports equipment.

The restrictions also apply to Russian- and Belarusian-made goods brought into Latvia through third countries.

The Latvian government approved the measure on August 25. The European Commission had previously supported Latvia's plans to restrict imports of confectionery and toys from Russia and Belarus, citing moral and security concerns.

Latvia Post has also stopped processing international EMS shipments from Russia from 1 September. It said there was currently no indication of when the exchange of EMS shipments would resume.

By Aghakazim Guliyev