Latvia bans Russian and Belarusian books, toys and video games

The Latvian parliament has adopted import restrictions targeting Russian and Belarusian consumer goods not covered by European sanctions, including books, newspapers, and video games. The measure aims to sever the last remaining trade links with Moscow and limit Kremlin propaganda.

Amendments to the law on support for the Ukrainian civilian population, approved on July 24, prohibit the entry into Latvia of any goods originating from Russia or Belarus that are not yet subject to European Union sanctions, customs duties, or trade restrictions. The prohibition extends to goods transiting through third countries if their country of origin is one of the two designated states.

Among the targeted products are books, newspapers, and video games, which MPs consider potential vehicles for propaganda and disinformation, as well as sporting goods, toys, clothing, and shoes. The final list will be determined by the Cabinet; the law will enter into force the day after its promulgation, and the restrictions will remain in effect until July 1, 2027.

"In order to guarantee the security of Latvian society... and to provide general support to Ukrainian society, the importation of certain industrial goods into the Republic of Latvia from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus is prohibited," the adopted text specifies.

Raimonds Bergmanis, chairman of the parliamentary committee on Defense, Internal Affairs and the Prevention of Corruption, described the amendments as "the latest tool to systematically reduce economic ties with Russia and Belarus, while maintaining our unwavering support for Ukraine in its struggle for freedom and independence."

The vote took place on the same day as the EU's adoption of its latest sanctions package against Moscow. However, the Latvian measure goes beyond the EU framework, making it one of the first national bans within the bloc covering such a wide range of Russian and Belarusian consumer goods.

From an economic perspective, the imports in question represented 12,5 million euros in 2025, or 6,5% of Latvia's remaining imports from these two countries and 0,05% of the country's total imports.

The proposal was drafted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and reviewed under an expedited procedure. Economy Minister Viktors Valainis had set the course at the end of May: “Latvia has already significantly reduced its economic ties with Russia, but our objective must be a policy of total rejection of goods from the aggressor state.” Foreign Minister Baiba Braže, for her part, has repeatedly called on other EU member states to adopt similar measures, with the ambition of severing all economic ties with Russia by the end of 2026.