On Thursday, 23 July, the Saeima adopted in the final reading the urgent amendments to the Law on Assistance to Ukrainian Civilians in order to expand restrictions on imports of goods originating in Russia and Belarus and to continue providing support to Ukraine. The amendments introduce a national import ban on certain industrial goods originating in the aggressor states, including books, newspapers, video games, sporting goods, toys, clothing, and footwear.

“These amendments are the latest tool to systematically reduce economic ties with Russia and Belarus while maintaining our unwavering support for Ukraine in its fight for freedom and independence. This is another important step towards ending economic relations with the aggressor states,” emphasised Raimonds Bergmanis, Chair of the Saeima Defence, Internal Affairs and Corruption Prevention Committee which was responsible for advancing the draft law.

The ban will also apply to the above goods imported from other third countries but originating in Russia or Belarus. The Cabinet of Ministers shall release a precise list of products subject to the import ban.

The new regulation also covers certain categories of goods that may be used to disseminate propaganda and disinformation. The Cabinet will additionally be required, by 1 March and annually thereafter, to assess the impact of the import ban on Latvia’s public security and public interests and submit a report on its findings to the Saeima.

The amendments to the law will come into force the day following their promulgation. The import ban provided for in the law will remain in force until 1 July 2027.

Saeima Press Service