Currently, domestic carriers transporting goods classed as being of strategic importance _ including support for Ukraine and military cargo – face additional restrictions, as the current regulation requires a domestic carrier to obtain both a special license and a permit to carry such cargo, while a foreign carrier only needs a permit.
The amendments provide that carriers registered in Latvia, who transport goods of strategic importance in transit, will need a permit issued in the country from which the cargo is exported or into which it is imported. This will ensure equal control and competitive conditions for Latvian and foreign carriers. It is also planned to waive the import license for dual-use goods.
The amendments also provide that in the future, the Ministry of Defense will issue commercial activity licenses to military manufacturers for a limited period of nine years. In addition, it is planned to re-register an already issued license once every three years. The Ministry of Defense has the right to suspend the operation of the existing license for up to six months if it is necessary to conduct additional inspections, the annotation of the draft law states. Currently, such licenses are perpetual.
With the changes, it is also planned to establish that the permit for the transfer of civilian firearms within the European Union will be issued and checked only by the State Police in order not to duplicate the functions of several institutions.
On the other hand, in order to improve the traceability of firearm accessories, such as silencers or scopes, it is planned to establish that firearms dealers must register every buyer of a firearm accessory.
In order for the changes to enter into force, the Saeima must support them in two more readings.
