Australia and sanctions

This guidance note outlines the prohibitions on dealing with designated persons or entities under Australian sanctions laws. It details restrictions on providing financial assets to these parties and managing assets they own or control. 

Australian sanctions laws can affect various activities conducted by Australian universities, especially when enrolling a student, employing a person, or engaging in research collaborations with persons and entities from sanctioned countries.

Australian sanctions laws impose strict prohibitions on dealing with designated persons or entities, including to require financial institutions and other entities to freeze assets owned or controlled by these persons or entities.

Members of the public can report sanctions non-compliance to the ASO by email to sanctions@dfat.gov.au, or submitting a query through DFAT’s sanctions portal, Pax. 

This guidance note is produced by the Australian Sanctions Office (ASO) within the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). It provides a summary of relevant sanctions laws but does not cover all possible sanctions risks. 

Australia remains committed to implementing the Oil and Petroleum Price Caps alongside G7 partners. Entities can apply for a sanctions permit to authorise the transportation of Russian oil and refined petroleum products, and associated financial assistance and services, consistent with Oil and Petroleum Price Caps policy.

Australia and New Zealand are deeply concerned about the rise in Russian and DPRK 'shadow fleet activity' and its risks to the environment, maritime safety, international trade and security, and maritime law. Collective action is needed to address this risk.

In accordance with section 15 of the Charter of the United Nations Act 1945 (Cth) (the Act), the Minister for Foreign Affairs (the Minister) has previously listed, by legislative instrument, persons and entities.

On 30 October 2024 the existing Legal Services permit (SAN-2022-00079) was revoked and replaced by a new permit (SAN-2024-00138) which will expire in October 2026 (unless revoked earlier). Providers of legal services and services ancillary to legal services are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the new permit.

DFAT has released a report on its review of Australia’s sanctions laws. The Report provides stakeholders with a general overview of the review and next steps.