Latvia
Air freight, sea freight and customs in Riga
Riga has the largest airport in the Baltic states and a freeport with special customs status.
Services in Riga
- Air freight in RigaAir freight for time-critical and high-value cargo between Europe, the Americas and Asia.
- Sea freight in RigaFCL and LCL sea freight on the main trade lanes, with pre-carriage and on-carriage by road or rail.
- Customs clearance in RigaImport 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 Riga
- AirportRiga International
RIX - SeaportFreeport of Riga
Riga International Airport (RIX) is the largest airport in the Baltic states and the home base of airBaltic. For Riga shippers it is the natural gateway for belly-hold and trucked air freight; long-haul consignments are usually connected through major European hubs, which we book through our airline network. On the sea side, the Freeport of Riga stretches along both banks of the Daugava estuary and handles containers, ro-ro, timber and general cargo. Its freeport status allows goods to be stored under customs control before duties are settled, which is useful for transit flows towards Estonia, Lithuania and further east.
Riga sits where the A1 (Via Baltica towards Tallinn) and the A7 (towards Lithuania and Poland) meet, with the A5 bypass keeping trucks out of the centre. The A6 runs east to Daugavpils and the A2 north-east via Sigulda. Riga is also the hub of Latvia's broad-gauge rail network, and the standard-gauge Rail Baltica line to Central Europe is under construction. Road freight to Germany and Poland via the Via Baltica corridor remains the main overland option for EU distribution.
Industries in Riga and how we support them
Riga and its surroundings combine logistics and transit businesses with wood processing, food production and a pharmaceutical cluster that includes manufacturers in Riga and nearby Olaine. IT and electronics firms add a growing share of small, high-value consignments. For these supply chains we arrange air freight through our airline network out of RIX or via European hubs, sea freight FCL and LCL through the Freeport of Riga, and road freight along the Via Baltica. Pharma and samples can travel as On-Board Courier, and urgent spare parts as Next Flight Out with the export data prepared before the cargo reaches the airport.
Operational logistics facts for Riga
| Hub | Specialisation | Local advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Riga International Airport (RIX) | Belly-hold air freight, connections via European hubs | Largest airport in the Baltics, with pick-up arranged across the Riga area |
| Freeport of Riga | Containers, ro-ro, timber and general cargo | Freeport status allows storage under customs control before duties are due |
| Via Baltica road corridor (A1/A7) | Road freight to Poland, Germany and the other Baltic states | Direct truck connection into the EU road network for distribution |
| Riga rail hub | Broad-gauge rail freight, Rail Baltica in construction | Rail options for bulk and transit cargo through Latvia |
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
Which airport do you use for urgent shipments from Riga?
Riga International Airport (RIX) is the first choice. When the required routing or capacity is not available from RIX, we compare it with connections via larger European hubs and, where it helps, truck the cargo to another departure airport. We confirm the routing and cut-off times with every booking.
Can you send pharma or temperature-sensitive goods from Riga by air?
Yes. We book suitable carriers through our airline network, agree the required temperature range and packaging with you in advance, and choose routings with as few transfers as possible. For very sensitive or small shipments, an On-Board Courier who carries the goods door to door is an alternative.
Do you arrange collection from companies across the Riga region?
Yes. We arrange pick-up in Riga and the surrounding region, including industrial areas towards Olaine, Jelgava and the airport, using trusted road partners. The cargo is collected with the documents checked and handed over directly for the booked flight.
Who handles customs clearance for my shipments through Riga?
We are currently setting up Ziem customs clearance in Latvia. Until it is in place, we route shipments through our existing customs operations in other EU markets or arrange clearance with trusted partners. Contact us before shipping so we can agree the best routing and timeline for your goods.
What do I need to import goods into Latvia via the Freeport of Riga?
Importers need an EORI number issued by the Latvian State Revenue Service (VID), plus a commercial invoice, packing list and transport documents. Goods can be held in the freeport under customs control before release into free circulation. Clearance depends on complete and consistent documents and the correct tariff classification.
Do shipments from other EU countries to Riga need customs clearance?
No. Goods moving between EU member states are in free circulation and need no import declaration, although VAT and statistical reporting obligations may still apply. Customs formalities apply to goods arriving from outside the EU and to exports leaving the EU through Riga.