After the new ban came into effect, Latvian customs recorded the first attempts to import printed products from Russia. In two cases, private individuals attempted to bring in magazines and detective novels, reports the State Revenue Service (VID).
From September 1 to 6, employees of the VID Customs Administration identified two cases where private individuals attempted to import periodicals and books from Russia.
These involved various magazines — including those on gardening and publications of the so-called yellow press — as well as detective novels. Customs did not allow these goods to be released into free circulation.
The reason is that from September 1, 2026, the import of certain industrial goods from Russia and Belarus classified under specific EU Combined Nomenclature codes is prohibited in Latvia. The list includes printed books, newspapers, images, and other printed products, as well as manuscripts, typewritten materials, and plans.
At the same time, VID points out an important nuance: the national ban only applies to certain customs procedures carried out directly in Latvia and does not apply in other EU countries.
For example, if a product from Russia was imported into the European Union through Estonia or another country and officially released into free circulation there, it acquires the status of an EU product. After that, no additional customs formalities are required when moving it between EU countries.
Thus, the import of such products from another EU country is no longer under the control of Latvian customs.
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