Latvia to ban imports of a number of goods from Russia and Belarus

Latvia will ban imports of a wide range of industrial goods from Russia and Belarus starting September 1. The restrictions will also apply to products that are being imported via third countries.

This is reported by Delfi.

The Latvian government adopted the new rules on Tuesday, August 25. The Seimas supported the ban on trade in a number of goods with Russia and Belarus back in late July, and now the government has set the date for the restrictions to come into effect.

In particular, printed books, newspapers, and other printed products of Russian and Belarusian origin will be banned.

It will also not be possible to import clothing, footwear, headgear, finished textile products, toys, games, and sports equipment into Latvia.

The restrictions will apply not only to direct imports from Russia and Belarus. The ban will also apply if goods of Russian or Belarusian origin are imported through other countries.

The Latvian government has cited national security concerns as the reason for the decision. The authorities also want to reduce export revenues to Russia and Belarus and limit the flow of Russian propaganda materials into the country.