Basic information
Outline of the system
In accordance with the Regulation of the Cabinet of Ministers No.421, 16 December 1997 "Regulations of Control of Strategic Goods" Latvia maintains a system of licensing of import and control of production, storage and use of strategic goods - firearms, munitions, dual-use goods (including nuclear materials and facilities) and CWC toxic chemicals.
Product coverage
The import licensing system covers toxic chemicals of schedules 1, 2 and 3 of CWC, Wassenaar Arrangement List of Munitions WA LIST (97) I, and list of dual-use goods (Annex 1 to the Council Decision (EC) 94-942-CFSP).
Nature of licensing
Automatic
If Automatic, administrative purpose
Non-Automatic
If Non-Automatic, description of the notified Non-Automatic Licensing regime
Products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
The system of licensing has no quantitative or value restrictions and its only purpose is to ensure national security and to meet international obligations of non-proliferation.
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 of licensing and control applies to goods from all countries regardless of origin.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
The licensing system is a statutory requirement. The Regulation of the Cabinet of Ministers No. 429, 23 December 1997 "Regulations of Control Committee of Strategic Goods" provides the Control Committee with the right to designate the goods to be subjected to licensing. The government may abolish the licensing of import of munitions and some dual-use goods, but not nuclear materials and facilities, as well as CWC chemicals, because NPT and CWC have been ratified by Saeima.
Does the legislation leave designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion?
Is it possible for the government to abolish the system without legislative approval?
The system cannot be abolished without legislative approval.
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 legal entities registered in the Latvian Register of Enterprises are eligible to apply for a import licence of strategic goods.
To import some categories of strategic goods - firearms, munitions, nuclear materials and dangerous chemicals, a special permit issued by the relevant ministry is required in addition to the import licence.
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?
The importer provides the following information:
- address of importing company
- registration number
- number of special permit
- Ministry issuing the special permit
- validity of special permit
- telephone and fax numbers
- end user and end use
- border crossing point
- origin of goods
- mode of transportation
Application form for toxic chemicals.pdfWhat documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
With the application the importer supplies a copy of the special permit (if such is required), invoice and description of the goods.
Window of submission of an application
How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?
In accordance with the Regulations an import licence or a letter of denial must be issued within 20 days after application. Cases needing technical expertise may require another ten days. The usual practice is to issue licences within a couple of days after application.
Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain
There are no limitations as to the period of year during which the licence application or importation may be made. Import licences are valid for 6 months.
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
Due to requirements of approval of licences by responsible ministries the fastest possible issuance of a licence may be the next day after application.
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence
Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?
Licences are processed by the Export and Import Control Department and signed by the Chairman or Secretary of the Control Committee of Strategic Goods. For import of munitions it is necessary to obtain an approval of the Ministry of Defense or Ministry of Interior; for nuclear materials or dangerous chemicals, the State Inspection of Environment. The importer approaches the Export and Import Control Department only.
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?
There may be special requirements or conditions stated in import licences. For example - the Department may require quarterly reports about use of the imported goods or the Department may forbid re-export of the goods if so required by the legislation of the country of origin.
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
Yes.
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
The fee for a licence is 2.5% from the value of goods but not above 600 Ls limit.
Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?
No.
Amount or rate?
Not applicable.
Is it refundable?
What is the period of retention?
What is the purpose of this requirement?
Refusal of an application
Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than failure to meet the ordinary criteria?
An import licence may be denied for some goods forbidden by law, e.g. automatic firearms and munitions above caliber 38.
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
The reasons for denial are explained to the applicant in writing not later than 20 days after application.
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?
The denial of a licence may be appealed before the Control Committee of Strategic Goods.
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 of strategic goods only the import licence is required.
Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?
Apart from licensing there may be some other procedures required prior to import of strategic goods in accordance with laws concerning transfer of nuclear materials or dangerous goods.
Conditions of licensing
What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?
Import licences of strategic goods are valid for six months. After six months validity of licences may be prolonged on basis of the previous application.
Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?
Non-utilized licences must be returned to the Export and Import Control Department and with this the matter is closed. It is permitted to import smaller amounts than stated in a licence.
Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?
Transfer of licences is forbidden and regarded as a punishable violation of the Regulations.
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.