Sanctions regimes
Download for quick reference
Why are sanctions imposed?
Australia imposes autonomous sanctions in relation to Ukraine in response to the Russian threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. They were first imposed in 2014 and extended in 2015.
Australia also imposes other autonomous sanctions in relation to Russia and Crimea and Sevastopol in response to the Russian threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. Go to the Russia Sanctions Regime and the Specified Ukraine regions sanctions regime for further information.
What is prohibited by the Ukraine sanctions regime?
The Ukraine sanctions regime imposes the following sanctions measures:
| Measure | UNSC | Autonomous |
|---|---|---|
|
restrictions on providing assets to designated persons |
✓ |
|
|
restrictions on dealing with the assets of designated persons |
✓ |
|
|
travel bans on designated persons |
✓ |
Restrictions on providing assets to designated persons
It is prohibited to directly or indirectly make an asset available to (or for the benefit of) a designated person.
Restrictions on dealing with the assets of designated persons (requirement to freeze assets)
It is prohibited to use or deal with an asset, or allow or facilitate another person to use or deal with an asset owned or controlled by a designated person or entity (the assets are ‘frozen’ and cannot be used or dealt with). The prohibition on ‘dealing’ with assets includes using, 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 become aware that you are holding an asset of a designated person or entity, you are required to freeze (hold) that asset and notify the AFP as soon as possible. Go to What You Need to Do for more information.
Travel bans
All designated persons under the Ukraine sanctions regime are prohibited from traveling to or entering Australia.
Sanctions Permits
The Minister for Foreign Affairs may grant a sanctions permit to allow an activity that would otherwise be prohibited under these regimes 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 sanctions permits and applying for a permit.
| Measure | Criteria | Reference |
|---|---|---|
|
Restrictions on dealing with the assets of designated persons or entities (autonomous targeted financial sanctions) |
The Foreign Minister is satisfied that it would be in the national interest to grant a permit and the activity is a:
|
Regulations 6,14,15,18,20 of the Autonomous Sanctions Regulations 2011 Autonomous Sanctions (Designated and Declared Persons – Ukraine) List 2014 Regulations 11A and 11B of the Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations 1958 |
Relevant legislation
The relevant legislation for the Ukraine regime includes the following:
- Autonomous Sanctions Act 2011
- Autonomous Sanctions Regulations 2011
- Autonomous Sanctions (Designated and Declared Persons – Ukraine) List 2014
- Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations 1958
- Migration Regulations 1994