Latvia
Air freight, sea freight and customs in Liepaja
Liepaja has a port within a special economic zone, with customs and tax incentives.
Services in Liepaja
- Air freight in LiepajaAir freight for time-critical and high-value cargo between Europe, the Americas and Asia.
- Sea freight in LiepajaFCL and LCL sea freight on the main trade lanes, with pre-carriage and on-carriage by road or rail.
- Customs clearance in LiepajaImport and export clearance by our in-house customs teams in 8 countries and by partner teams in the Ziem network.
Airports, seaports and connections in Liepaja
- AirportRiga
RIX - AirportPalanga
PLQ - SeaportPort of Liepajaspecial economic zone
The Port of Liepaja lies on Latvia's south-western coast and operates within the Liepaja Special Economic Zone, which offers customs and tax incentives for companies based there. The port is generally ice-free and handles general cargo, bulk, ro-ro and containers. Liepaja's own airport (LPX) has only limited scheduled services, so air freight normally runs via Riga International Airport (RIX) or, for some routings, via Palanga Airport (PLQ) just across the Lithuanian border. We arrange collection in Liepaja and move the cargo by road to the airport that offers the best connection through our airline network.
The A9 road links Liepaja with Riga, while the A11 runs south to the Lithuanian border towards Palanga and the Port of Klaipeda. A rail line connects the port with the national network. For shipments to and from Lithuania and Poland, the southern road connection is often the most direct route.
Industries in Liepaja and how we support them
Liepaja has a long industrial tradition in metalworking, alongside wood processing and food production, including fish processing. Companies located in the special economic zone often import raw materials and components and export finished products. We support them with sea freight through Liepaja or Riga, road freight to the Baltic states, Poland and Germany, and air freight via RIX or Palanga for urgent parts and samples. For machinery breakdowns we arrange Next Flight Out or an On-Board Courier, and we prepare the shipment data so that customs formalities are ready when the cargo arrives.
Operational logistics facts for Liepaja
| Hub | Specialisation | Local advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Port of Liepaja | General cargo, bulk, ro-ro and containers | Port located in a special economic zone on the southern Baltic coast |
| Liepaja Special Economic Zone | Customs and tax incentives for resident companies | Lower costs for import-based manufacturing and re-export |
| Riga International Airport (RIX) and Palanga (PLQ) | Air freight via trucking to the departure airport | Choice of two airports depending on routing |
| A11 road to Lithuania | Road freight to Klaipeda, Poland and Germany | Short road link to the southern Baltic markets |
Customs clearance in Latvia
Own clearance in preparation
We are setting up our own customs clearance in Latvia. Until it is in place, clearance is coordinated by our in-house customs teams in neighbouring markets.
Air freight to and from Latvia is booked through our carrier network.
Importers in Latvia need an EORI number issued by the Latvian State Revenue Service.
Frequently asked questions
Do you route air freight from Liepaja via Riga or via Palanga?
Both are possible. Riga International Airport (RIX) usually offers more connections, while Palanga (PLQ) is closer by road. We compare capacity, routing and cost for each shipment and arrange the road transport from Liepaja to the chosen airport.
Can you collect from companies in the Liepaja Special Economic Zone?
Yes. We arrange pick-up from companies in the port and special economic zone areas using trusted road partners. Please tell us about any site access rules when booking so the collection can be planned accordingly.
How do you handle urgent inbound parts for Liepaja plants?
We book Next Flight Out to Riga or another suitable airport, prepare the import data in advance and arrange direct road delivery to Liepaja. For the most critical parts, an On-Board Courier can carry the shipment door to door.
Who clears customs for shipments to Liepaja?
We are currently setting up Ziem customs clearance in Latvia. Until it is operational, shipments are routed through our existing customs operations in other EU markets or cleared with trusted partners. Contact us early so we can agree the routing and timeline.
What are the customs benefits of the Liepaja Special Economic Zone?
Companies licensed in the zone can benefit from customs and tax incentives, including the ability to store and process goods under customs control. The exact benefits depend on the company's licence and activity, so we recommend checking the conditions with the zone authority.
What documents are needed to import goods into Liepaja from outside the EU?
You need an EORI number from the Latvian State Revenue Service (VID), a commercial invoice, packing list, transport document and the correct tariff code. Some goods also need certificates of origin or product-specific licences. Clearance depends on complete documents.