Ventspils, Latvia
Customs clearance in Ventspils
Import and export clearance for shipments to and from Ventspils. 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.
Industries in Ventspils and how we support them
Ventspils has built its economy around transit, bulk cargo handling and the wood industry, including timber products and wood pellets shipped by sea. Alongside the port, the city promotes manufacturing and technology businesses in its industrial areas under the freeport's special customs and tax regime. For these companies we arrange sea freight through the Freeport of Ventspils or Riga, road freight to Scandinavian and Central European customers, and air freight via RIX for spare parts and urgent components. Next Flight Out and On-Board Courier are available when a production stop has to be avoided.
Operational logistics facts for Ventspils
| Hub | Specialisation | Local advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Freeport of Ventspils | Bulk, general cargo and wood products | Ice-free port that stays open all year |
| Freeport special customs status | Storage and processing under customs control | Duties can be deferred until goods leave the freeport area |
| A10 / E22 road to Riga | Trucking to Riga and Riga International Airport (RIX) | Air freight access through Latvia's main airport |
| Rail connection to the port | Bulk and transit flows by rail | Links the port with Latvia's rail network |
Airports, seaports and connections in Ventspils
- AirportRiga
RIX - SeaportFreeport of Ventspilsice-free
Ventspils is a port city first and foremost. The Freeport of Ventspils, at the mouth of the Venta river, is ice-free throughout the year and has special customs status, which makes it a year-round option on the Baltic coast for bulk and general cargo. The local airport has no meaningful cargo operations, so air freight to and from Ventspils runs via Riga International Airport (RIX), roughly 190 km away by road. We collect cargo in Ventspils and truck it to RIX, or to a larger European hub where the routing makes more sense, using air freight through our airline network.
The A10 motorway (part of route E22) links Ventspils with Riga, and a rail line connects the port with the Latvian broad-gauge network and onward transit routes. Regional roads lead south towards Liepaja and the Lithuanian border. For full container loads, combining sea freight through the port with road distribution via Riga is the usual setup for the Kurzeme region.
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.
Documents we check before shipping
Commercial invoice, packing list, the transport document and, where needed, certificates of origin, licences or permits. We check that descriptions, values and HS codes are consistent across all documents before the goods move.
Frequently asked questions
How is customs clearance handled for goods arriving at the Freeport of Ventspils?
We are currently setting up Ziem customs clearance in Latvia. Until then, we route shipments through our existing customs operations in other EU markets or arrange clearance with trusted partners. Talk to us before the goods arrive so we can agree the routing and the required documents.
What advantage does the freeport status in Ventspils offer importers?
Goods can be stored, and in some cases processed, in the freeport area under customs control. Import duties and VAT are generally only due when the goods are released into free circulation in the EU, which can help cash flow for transit and re-export business.
What does an importer need for customs in Latvia?
An EORI number issued by the Latvian State Revenue Service (VID) is required, together with the commercial invoice, packing list, transport documents and the correct tariff classification under the EU Union Customs Code. Clearance depends on complete and consistent documents.