VID indicates that this will complete the electronization of the delivery declaration system, as mandated by the European Union Customs Code (UCC). Going forward it will only be possible to declare such items by submitting an electronic customs declaration. This customs clearance order has already been in effect from October 1 for items received via courier service, however hereafter deliveries through Latvian Post from third countries will also need to be declared.
VID explains that a person who receives a notification from Latvian Post marked “Dutiable goods” can choose from two options for clearing customs formalities – fill out and submit a simplified or standard import customs declaration to the Electronic Customs Data Processing System (EMDAS), or authorize a Latvian Post or other representative offering these services to clear customs formalities.
Customers will no longer receive a notification from Latvian Post with a pre-calculated tax amount, but instead it will indicate the need to complete customs clearance.
The notification will include all the information about the delivery necessary for filling out the standard import customs declaration for post deliveries.
Both customs declarations can be filled out through the VID Electronic Declaration System, which is also available in English.
The power of attorney authorization form, however, is only available for download on the Latvian Post website in Latvian.
VID indicates that commercial deliveries up to 22 euros are tax-exempt, and therefore don't require an import customs declaration. If the value is over 22 euros a VAT payment is required. If the value of goods is over 150 euros, the payment of both a customs tax and VAT is required.
In turn, non-commercial deliveries (gifts) to another person must be declared to customs if the value exceeds 45 euros. For goods exceeding 45 euros a both a customs tax and VAT payment is required.
Further details are available at the VID website and Latvian Post website.
