Latvian Parliament to debate complete ban on sales of Russian, Belarusian goods

The Latvian Parliament (Saeima) will consider a draft resolution developed by the national-conservative party "National Alliance" that calls for a complete ban on the sale of goods produced in Russia and Belarus within the country.

According to the document, starting from July 1, sales of Russian and Belarusian products may be banned in Latvian stores and on online platforms, Caliber.Az reports, citing Latvian media.

The draft also envisions introducing a similar ban across the entire Baltic region in cooperation with Lithuania and Estonia.

“There has been enough time to push for various sanctions at the European Union level, but that has not been achieved. Import restrictions are not working effectively. However, as for a direct ban on selling these products here in Latvia, we can do that. That’s the purpose of this proposal,” the portal quotes Saeima deputy Jānis Vitenbergs from the National Alliance.

In addition, the party has called on Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa to take the initiative in significantly increasing customs tariffs on Russian and Belarusian goods across the entire EU.

It is crucial to mention that ​Latvia has implemented several measures to restrict imports from Russia and Belarus amidst ongoing war in Ukraine. Latvia views Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine as a blatant violation of international law, Ukrainian sovereignty, and European security. As for Belarus, Latvia treats it as co-aggressor, which supports Russia’s war by allowing its territory to be used for troop deployment, missile launches, and logistical support.

Ban on agricultural and animal feed products: On February 22, 2024, the Latvian parliament (Saeima) amended the Law on Agriculture and Rural Development to prohibit the import of agricultural and animal feed products from Russia and Belarus. This ban applies to products originating directly from these countries as well as those imported via third countries, and is set to remain in effect until at least July 1, 2025.

Prohibition of specific food imports: Following the legislative amendments, on March 5, 2024, the Latvian government approved regulations specifying certain food products that are banned from importation from Russia and Belarus. The list includes various fruits, vegetables, grains, and animal feed products. This measure aims to further limit economic ties with the aggressor states and came into force on March 8, 2024. ​

Ban on Belarus-registered passenger cars: In July 2024, Latvia prohibited the entry of passenger cars registered in Belarus from entering its territory via Belarus or Russia. This action aligns with a broader European Union sanctions package and mirrors similar measures taken by neighboring EU countries bordering Russia. ​

Private sector initiatives: In addition to government actions, private enterprises have also taken steps to sever economic ties with Russia and Belarus. For instance, Rimi Baltic, a major retail chain in the Baltic States, ceased selling goods produced by Russian and Belarusian companies across its nearly 300 stores in Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia. ​

By Khagan Isayev