Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Which countries do not require customs clearance?
    Goods purchased in the European Union do not require customs clearance. From January 1, 2021, the European Union consists of 27 countries:
    Belgium, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, France, Denmark, Ireland, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Finland, Sweden, Hungary, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia
  1. What Shall I Customs Clearance for Goods?
    Customs clearance is required for all non-EU countries.
  2. What documents are required for customs clearance?
    There are three documents are obligatory for customs clearance of any product:
  3. Invoice of purchase
  4. A power of attorney from the recipient of the goods to the customs broker, to go through the necessary customs formalities.

In addition to the required documents, additional documents may be required. Additional documents may depend on the type of goods, availability of wooden packaging, type of transport, terms of delivery and other individual circumstances.

  1. How much should I pay for customs clearance of the goods?
    The most common taxes for customs clearance are import duty and VAT. For certain types of goods excise and anti-dumping are also possible. The amount of import duty depends on the specific type of goods, the country of exportation, and the availability of certificates of origin. Most import duty rates range from 0% to 7%, but there are also higher rates: 10% (e.g. cars, 12% (clothing), 17% (footwear).
  2. How it is possible not to pay VAT on customs clearance?
    The legal persons having VAT payer status in Latvia may receive a special VAT regime from SRS https://www.vid.gov.lv/lv/pvn-ipasie-maksasanas-rezimi-0 (Īpašs nodokļa režīms preču importa darījumos).
  3. How do I get my personal effects cleared?
    To clear personal effects for customs clearance under a residence permit, you need a list of items with a specified approximate value. During the first 12 months after moving to a permanent place of residence in Latvia, you can clear personal belongings without paying taxes.
  4. How to clear the goods for customs clearance?
    The method, cost and technical details of customs clearance depend on the type of goods and the method of transportation. Please contact us to find out exactly what customs clearance will take in your case.
  5. What is the right way to clear the goods for export?
    To send the goods for export and not to have problems with the State Revenue Service in relation to unpaid VAT, it is necessary to issue an export declaration to the customs. For this you will need an invoice and a transport document. Please, contact us and we will help you to execute correctly all the necessary documents and pass the customs.
  6. Is it possible to clear the cargo online?
    Today’s technology and customs legislation requirements are such that almost all shipments can be cleared online. Your presence is not required at customs or in our office.