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Australian Government - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Advancing the interests of Australia and Australians internationally

Australian Government - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Advancing the interests of Australia and Australians internationally

Australia's autonomous sanctions: Iran

Autonomous Sanctions Regulations - Report on Public Consultation

The Australian Government has released the report on the public consultation on the exposure draft of the Autonomous Sanctions Regulations. See our Autonomous Sanctions Regulations consultation page for further information.

On 29 July 2010, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade announced new sanctions measures against Iran to support international efforts over Iran's nuclear ambitions. These new measures put Australia at the forefront of efforts to persuade Iran to reverse its current path of confrontation with the international community. They follow on from United Nations Security Council Resolution 1929 against Iran, adopted on 9 June.

On this page you will find details of Australia’s autonomous sanctions measures against Iran. These autonomous sanctions supplement United Nations Security Council sanctions against Iran.

From October 2008, Australia has imposed targeted autonomous sanctions in relation to Iran’s proliferation sensitive nuclear and missile programs and efforts to contravene United Nations Security Council sanctions.

As a consequence, Australian law currently prohibits:

1. The supply, sale or transfer to Iran of:

(a) arms and related materiel;

(b) Goods mentioned in the Australia Group Common Control Lists, as existing from time to time

2. The provision of technical advice, assistance or training, a financial service or financial or other assistance to Iran, related to

(a) military activities or

(b) an activity involving the supply, sale, transfer, manufacture, maintenance or use of an export sanctioned good for Iran

3. The use or dealing with the assets of, and the making available of assets to, a person or entity designated by the Minister for Foreign Affairs other than as authorised by a permit issued by the Minister for Foreign Affairs.

For a transitional period, this measure will continue to be given effect under the Banking (Foreign Exchange) Regulations 1959, administered by the Reserve Bank of Australia:

The measure will be applied under regulations 14 and 15 of the Autonomous Sanctions Regulations 2011 once the Minister for Foreign Affairs issues legislative instruments under regulation 6 listing the designated persons and entities.

4. The entry or transit through Australia of persons declared by the Minister as meeting the criteria for Iran under regulation 6 of the Autonomous Sanctions Regulations.