Latvia first developed an export control system in
1995, following the guidelines of the Australia Group (AG), the Nuclear
Suppliers Group (NSG), and the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR).
After two years, the government realized that the regulations required
revision. Ultimately, Latvia's accession to the Chemical Weapons Convention
(CWC) in 1997 necessitated the overhaul of Latvia's export control system.
More information is available in the Export Controls
Legislation and Export Control Developments
sections of the database.
[Girts Krumins, "Latvia," Worldwide
Guide to Export Controls, 1997/1998 ed., Update No.2 (London: Export
Control Publications, February 1998), pp. 1-4.]
ADMINISTRATIVE BODIES
Several agencies are involved in Latvia's export
control system. The Control
Committee of Strategic Goods determines export and import control policy,
prepares lists of goods subject to control, and implements international
economic sanctions and embargoes. The Control Committee is an inter-ministerial
body appointed by the Cabinet of Ministers and consisting of representatives
of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Defense, Internal Affairs, Agriculture,
Environmental Protection, the Economy, and Finance, and of the State Revenue
Service, the Customs Department, and the Security Police. The Export
and Import Control Department of the Latvian Development Agency handles
licensing applications and international import certificates for strategic
goods. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs
authorizes licenses after the Export and Import Control Department signs
them. The Customs Department
and the Security Police enforce export, import, and transit policy control.
[Girts Krumins, "Latvia," Worldwide
Guide to Export Controls, 1997/1998 ed., Update No.2 (London: Export
Control Publications, February 1998), pp. 1-4.] {Entered 5/4/99 FW}
LICENSING PROCESS
The export, import, or transit of strategic goods
requires a license. Applications for licenses must be submitted to
the Latvian Export and Import Control Department of the Latvian Development
Agency, a non-governmental institution accountable to the government.
The Department receives technical assistance from Riga Technical University
and customs laboratories to determine whether materials, equipment, technologies,
or software are subject to controls. Licenses are signed by the Chairman
of the Department or by the Secretary of the Control Committee, and are
authorized by the seal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Companies importing
strategic goods must provide end-use certificates and cannot re-export
controlled items without the Department's permission.
[Girts Krumins, "Latvia," Worldwide
Guide to Export Controls, 1997/1998 ed., Update No.2 (London: Export
Control Publications, February 1998), pp. 1-4.] {Entered 5/4/99 FW}
ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES
The Customs Department and the Security Police are
responsible for enforcement of export and import control laws and conduct
inspections. Penalties for violations are provided in the Latvian
Criminal Code. The penalty for illegal trade in nuclear or radioactive
materials, or toxic chemicals identified in the CWC, is up to five years'
imprisonment.
[Girts Krumins, "Latvia," Worldwide
Guide to Export Controls, 1997/1998 ed., Update No.2 (London: Export
Control Publications, February 1998), pp. 1-4.] {Entered 5/4/99 FW}
