Extra fees for shipments outside the EU will apply in Latvia

From 1 November 2026, a handling fee of two euros will be applied to each item of goods. The changes will apply to goods purchased from online shops and e-commerce platforms outside the European Union, such as in China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Norway, Switzerland and other third countries.

For example, if a consignment worth up to 150 euros contains three different items, a customs duty of 3 euros and a handling fee of 2 euros will be payable for each item, with value-added tax applied in accordance with the regulations in force.

If the value of the goods in a consignment exceeds 150 euros, the goods will be subject to the standard import duty rate set out in European Union legislation, but a handling fee of 2 euros will be payable for each item, with value-added tax applied in accordance with current regulations.

It should be noted that, as of 1 July this year, parcels with a value not exceeding 150 euros are subject to a fixed customs duty of 3 euros per item.

If an online shop or e-commerce platform operates under the special import VAT regime (IOSS), customs duty, VAT and handling fees can be paid at the time of purchase. In such cases, the buyer will not have to complete customs formalities, as these will be handled by the delivery provider. In all other cases, payments will have to be made when the consignment is cleared through customs.

The State Revenue Service (VID) has stated that the aim of the changes is to promote fair competition between traders from the European Union and third countries, to reduce the risk of fraud and to ensure more effective control of goods entering the market.

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