Australia and sanctions

In 2012, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) imposed sanctions in relation to Guinea-Bissau in response to the military seizing power. Australia implements the UNSC sanctions concerning Guinea-Bissau by incorporating them into Australian law.

Australia imposes autonomous sanctions in relation to the Former Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FFRY) which target persons associated with the former Milosevic regime, and persons indicted for or suspected of committing war crimes during the Balkan wars in the early 1990s. Sanctions have been in place since 1992.

In 2006, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) adopted a resolution imposing sanctions in relation to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) in response to the DPRK’s nuclear test on 9 October 2006. The sanctions framework has been amended and extended by subsequent UNSC resolutions, in response to further DPRK nuclear and missiles tests.

Australia imposes autonomous sanctions in relation to the Ukraine regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Crimea and Sevastopol (specified Ukraine regions) in response to the Russian threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. They were first imposed in relation to Crimea and Sevastopol in 2014 and extended in 2015. In 2022, the sanctions were extended to include Donetsk and Luhansk.

Resolution 1373 requires Australia, as a UN Member State, to suppress terrorism by implementing targeted financial sanctions in relation to persons involved in terrorist activities.

Sanctions listings are a temporary measure established based on evidence that the listed entity is contributing to a situation of international concern.

Sanctions permits, issued by the Minister for Foreign Affairs or their delegate, authorise activities that would otherwise contravene Australian sanctions laws.

It is your responsibility to ensure you do not contravene a sanctions law. You must get your own legal advice and conduct your own due diligence to ensure you are fully informed about who you are dealing with.

ASO works to ensure the efficient administration of Australian sanctions laws, consistent with Australia’s international obligations and foreign policy objectives. We work to prevent sanctioned transactions without unduly impeding legitimate trade. Our aim is to ensure everyone understands their rights and obligations and is able to comply with Australian sanctions law. We will work with you to prevent and address breaches, ensuring Australian sanctions are effective.