Basic information
Outline of the system
The import licensing system is regulated by Regulation No.348 “Licensing Regulations of Special Types of Entrepreneurial Activity” issued by the Cabinet of Ministers on 7 October 1997 and the related amendments on 3 March 1998 and Instruction No.39, issued on 4 March 1997, establishing the procedure for import licensing of sugar. The licensing system is administered by the Ministry of Agriculture.
Product coverage
Imports of sugar are subject to automatic licensing. Licensing applies to imports of sugar described in CN heading 1701.
Nature of licensing
Automatic
If Automatic, administrative purpose
Automatic licensing is for statistical purposes.
Non-Automatic
If Non-Automatic, description of the notified Non-Automatic Licensing regime
Products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
No. Automatic import licensing is for statistical purposes.
Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
Not applicable.
The system applies to products originating from which country?
The system applies to goods originating in and coming from all countries.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
The licensing system is a statutory requirement of the Regulation No.348 “Licensing Regulations of Special Types of Entrepreneurial Activity” issued by the Cabinet of Ministers on 7 October 1997 and the related amendments on 3 March 1998 and instruction No.39, issued on 4 March 1997.
Does the legislation leave designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion?
Yes.
Is it possible for the government to abolish the system without legislative approval?
No. The licensing system can be suspended by the Cabinet of ministers whenever it is determined that such action is appropriate.
Eligibility of applicants
Is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation?
What persons or firms are eligible to apply for a licence?
All firms and enterprises operating in conformity with the legislation of the Republic of Latvia are eligible to apply for licences.
Is there a registration fee?
Is there a published list of authorized importers?
Contact point for information on eligibility
Ministry/Authority
Address
Telephone
Fax
E-mail address
Website
Contact officer
Submission of an application
Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application
Documentation requirements
What information is required in applications?
An importer is required to submit the application and a respective set of documents pursuant to Regulations No.348.
What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
Window of submission of an application
How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?
Licence is issued within ten working days from the day an application is submitted.
Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain
No.
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
Regulation No.348 does not provide for any exceptions as regards licence allocation within shorter time-limit or immediately on request.
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence
See reply 28
Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?
Yes, consideration of licence applications is effected by a single administrative organ, i.e. Ministry of Agriculture.
Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?
Are there any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence?
Not applicable.
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
Yes.
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
There is a licensing fee, namely, LVL 150. It is charged pursuant to Regulation No.77 “On Licensing Fee for Issuing Special Authorizations (Licences) to Separate Entrepreneurship Categories” issued by the Cabinet of Ministers on 31 March 1995. Amendments to the above regulations have been introduced, providing a reduction of the fee, i.e. LVL 30.
Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?
No.
Amount or rate?
Not applicable.
Is it refundable?
Not applicable.
What is the period of retention?
Not applicable.
What is the purpose of this requirement?
Not applicable.
Refusal of an application
Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than failure to meet the ordinary criteria?
None. Licence is allotted to any importer which has acted pursuant to aforementioned Regulations No.348.
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?
If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?
Importation
Are there any limitations as to the period of year during which importation may be made?
No.
What documents are required upon actual importation?
Upon actual importation, an importer is required to submit the approved import licence and a set of documents necessary for any import operation demanded by the State Revenue Board Customs Office.
Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?
No.
Conditions of licensing
What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?
A licence is valid for one year from the date of issue. The validity can be extended if the applicant so requests.
Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?
No.
Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?
No.
Foreign Exchange
Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported?
Not applicable.
Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange?
Not applicable.
Is foreign exchange always available to cover licences issued?
Not applicable.
What formalities must be fulfilled for obtaining the foreign exchange?
Not applicable.