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Why are sanctions imposed?
Autonomous sanctions framework
Australia introduced an autonomous sanctions framework in relation to Afghanistan in December 2025. This framework was developed in response to the ongoing oppression of women and girls, minority groups, and the general population in Afghanistan, and the undermining of good governance or the rule of law, since the Taliban claimed authority over the country in August 2021.
The Afghanistan framework enables the Foreign Minister to designate a person or entity for targeted financial sanctions, and declare persons for travel bans, if the Minister is satisfied they meet the Afghanistan criteria in item 1A of regulation 6 of the Autonomous Sanctions Regulations 2011.
It also introduces new sanctions measures such as an arms embargo, and prohibitions on providing related services and activities to Afghanistan.
United Nations Security Council Taliban sanctions framework
Australia also gives effect to the United Nations Security Council’s (UNSC) sanctions framework related to the Taliban pursuant to UNSC resolution 1988 (2011). This UNSC framework is aimed at promoting the peace, stability and security of Afghanistan. Australia implements UNSC sanctions by incorporating them into Australian sanctions law.
What is prohibited by the Afghanistan frameworks?
The autonomous sanctions framework and UNSC Taliban sanctions frameworks impose the following sanctions measures:
| Measure | UNSC | Autonomous |
|---|---|---|
| restrictions on supplying arms and related matériel |
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| restrictions on providing services (technical advice, assistance or training related to military activities) to designated persons or entities |
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| restrictions on providing assets to designated persons or entities |
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| restrictions on dealing with the assets of designated persons or entities |
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| travel bans on designated persons |
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Restrictions on supplying arms or related matériel
It is prohibited to directly or indirectly supply, sell or transfer arms or related matériel to Afghanistan or to the Taliban or to persons or entities designated for the purpose of the UNSC Taliban sanctions framework.
Arms or related matériel includes, but is not limited to, weapons, ammunition, military vehicles and equipment, and spare parts for any of those things. It also includes paramilitary equipment. While each case will be considered individually, goods on the Defence and Strategic Goods List are likely to be considered arms or related matériel. Depending on the context, end user and end use, other goods may also be considered arms or related matériel.
Restrictions on providing certain services
It is prohibited to provide technical advice, assistance or training related to military activities to Afghanistan or the Taliban or to persons or entities designated for the purposes of the UNSC Taliban sanctions framework.
Restrictions on providing assets to designated persons or entities
It is prohibited to directly or indirectly make an asset available to (or for the benefit of) a designated person or entity, their agents, or an entity they own or control.
Restrictions on dealing with the assets of designated persons or entities (requirement to freeze assets)
It is prohibited to use or deal with, or allow or facilitate another person to use or deal with, an asset of a designated person or entity (the assets are 'frozen' and cannot be used or dealt with). It is also prohibited to use or deal with, or allow or facilitate another person to use or deal with, funds derived from an asset that is owned or controlled by a designated person or entity (or a person acting on their behalf or at their direction).
The prohibition on 'dealing' with assets includes selling or moving assets. 'An 'asset' includes an asset or property of any kind, whether tangible or intangible, movable or immovable.
Go to the Consolidated List to search the names of designated persons and entities.
If you form an opinion that you are holding an asset of a designated person or entity, you are required to freeze (hold) that asset and notify the Australian Federal Police as soon as practicable.
Travel bans
All persons designated for the UNSC Taliban sanctions framework and all persons declared for the purpose of travel bans under the autonomous sanctions framework are prohibited from entering or transiting through Australia.
Australia's implementation of the humanitarian exemption to the Taliban sanctions framework
The UNSC adopted resolution 2615 on 22 December 2021 establishing a humanitarian exemption to the UNSC sanctions framework in relation to the Taliban.
Operative paragraph (OP) 1 of resolution 2615 'decides that humanitarian assistance and other activities that support basic human needs in Afghanistan are not a violation of paragraph 1(a) of resolution 2255 (2015), and that the processing and payment of funds, other financial assets or economic resources, and the provision of goods and services necessary to ensure the timely delivery of such assistance or to support such activities are permitted'.
The humanitarian exemption to the UNSC Taliban sanctions framework has automatic effect in Australia by operation of section 2B of the Charter of the United Nations Act 1945. Accordingly, assistance or activities covered by OP1 of resolution 2615 do not constitute an offence under Australian sanctions laws.
OP1 of resolution 2615 also 'strongly encourages providers relying on this paragraph to use reasonable efforts to minimise the accrual of any benefits, whether as a result of direct provision or diversion, to individuals or entities designated on the 1988 Sanctions List'. The Australian Sanctions Office expects Australians and Australian organisations to provide assistance and conduct their activities accordingly.
If you have any questions about the humanitarian exemption to the Taliban sanctions framework, you can contact the Australian Sanctions Office through our online portal, Pax.
Class-based Humanitarian Permit for Afghanistan
The Class-based Humanitarian Permit for Afghanistan provides a mechanism to facilitate certain humanitarian activities that may otherwise be restricted under the Afghanistan framework.
This permit is intended to enable humanitarian organisations to carry out essential humanitarian work, including the delivery of aid and services, without breaching sanctions obligations.
The class-based humanitarian permit is to be used in cases of last resort where no other lawful avenues are available to facilitate essential humanitarian activities in Afghanistan.
Who must comply with sanctions?
Australian sanction laws apply to activities in Australia and to activities undertaken overseas by Australian citizens and Australian‐registered bodies corporate. In some circumstances, it may be possible to obtain a permit from the Minister for Foreign Affairs to engage in an activity that would otherwise be prohibited by a sanctions measure. Information on planning an activity and submitting an application for a sanctions permit is available on the DFAT website. It is a serious criminal offence to contravene a sanctions measure (or a condition of a sanctions permit). The penalties include up to ten years in prison and substantial fines.
Sanctions permits
The Minister for Foreign Affairs may grant a sanctions permit to allow an activity that would otherwise be prohibited under these frameworks provided the activity meets specific criteria.
The table below provides a general guide to relevant criteria. You should get your own legal advice if you think your proposed activity is affected by sanctions and may meet the criteria for a permit. Go to Sanctions Permits for information on permits, including how to apply.
| Measure | Criteria | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Restrictions on supplying arms or related matériel | The Foreign Minister is satisfied that it would be in the national interest to grant a permit |
Regulations 4, 12 and 18 of the Autonomous Sanctions Regulations 2011 Regulation 11 of the Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations 1958 |
| The Minister may not grant a permit for the supply of 'arms or related matériel' to the Taliban, or to another person or entity designated for the purposes of the UNSC Taliban sanctions framework. | Regulations 3, 4, 5 and 7 of the Charter of the United Nations (Sanctions – The Taliban) Regulation 2013 | |
| Restrictions on providing certain services | The Foreign Minister is satisfied that it would be in the national interest to grant a permit | Regulations 5, 13 and 18 of the Autonomous Sanctions Regulations 2011 |
| The Minister may not grant a permit for the provision of technical advice, assistance or training related to military activities to the Taliban, or to another designated person or to a person or entity designated for the purposes of the UNSC Taliban sanctions framework. | Regulations 3, 6, and 8 of the Charter of the United Nations (Sanctions – The Taliban) Regulation 2013 | |
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Restrictions on providing assets to designated persons or entities and Restrictions on dealing with the assets of designated persons or entities |
The Foreign Minister is satisfied that it would be in the national interest to grant a permit |
Regulations 6, 14, 15, 18 and 20 of the Autonomous Sanctions regulations 2011 Regulations 11A and 11B of the Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations 1958 |
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The Minister may grant a permit for an activity that is a:
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Regulation 5 of the Charter of the United Nations (Dealing with Assets) Regulations 2008 |
Relevant legislation
The relevant legislation for the Taliban sanctions framework includes the following:
- Autonomous Sanctions Act 2011
- Autonomous Sanctions Regulations 2011
- Charter of the United Nations Act 1945
- Charter of the United Nations (Dealing with Assets) Regulations 2008
- Charter of the United Nations (Sanctions – The Taliban) Regulation 2013
- Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations 1958
- Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956
- Migration (United Nations Security Council Resolutions) Regulations 2007
- Migration (United Nations Security Council Resolutions) Regulations 2007 - Specification under regulation 4 definition of 'resolution' - Specification of United Nations Security Council Resolutions - IMMI 14/034
Other Resources
- Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1988 (2011)
- UNSC Resolutions 1988 (2011), 2615 (2021), 2664 (2022)
- DFAT Sanctions Guidance Note: Humanitarian Sector
- DFAT country page for Afghanistan
Where can I get more information?
Australia and sanctions webpage.
Enquiries can be made to DFAT by emailing sanctions@dfat.gov.au
DFAT maintains a mailing list for people interested in receiving updates on Australian sanctions laws.