Latvia has banned the import into the country of a whole range of goods produced in Russia and Belarus. The Saeima (the country's parliament) adopted the corresponding amendments to the law on support for the civilian population of Ukraine in the final reading on July 23, Delfi writes.

The full list of goods that will be subject to the restrictions must be approved by the government. However, it is already known that it may include books and periodicals in Russian, video games, sporting goods, toys, clothing, and footwear.

The ban will apply not only to direct imports but also to the supply of goods from third countries. At the same time, the transit of products manufactured in Russia and Belarus through Latvian territory to other EU countries remains permitted.

Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže noted that Russia uses books and periodicals for propaganda purposes. The government acknowledges that the new ban may lead to price increases in certain sectors, but notes that all the goods can be replaced with products from other countries.

Since 2022, Latvia's imports from Russia and Belarus have decreased by 91%, according to the explanatory note to the bill. In 2025, they amounted to 193 million euros — less than one percent of the country's total goods imports. Products that are planned to be banned accounted for about 12.5 million euros.