Australian Sanctions Office (ASO)

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.

In 2004, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) imposed sanctions in relation to Sudan in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis and widespread human rights violations in Sudan. The sanctions framework has been amended and renewed by several subsequent UNSC resolutions.

There are three regulatory functions located within the department.

Australia imposes autonomous sanctions in relation to Russia in response to the Russian threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. They were first imposed in 2014 and extended in 2015, 2022 and 2023.

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) imposes a limited arms embargo and other sanctions measures in relation to Yemen in response to Yemen’s ongoing political, security, economic and humanitarian challenges. Australia implements the UNSC sanctions concerning Yemen by incorporating them into Australian law.

Australia imposes autonomous sanctions under the Ukraine framework 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 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.

In 1992, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) imposed sanctions in relation to Somalia in response to the conflict in Somalia, the heavy loss of life and the resulting widespread damage.

Australia first imposed targeted sanctions on Myanmar in response to the Myanmar Government’s failure to recognise the victory of the National League for Democracy in the 1990 Myanmar elections. In 2012, Australia lifted some sanctions measures after the Government of President Thein Sein initiated democratic reforms. However, Australia retained an arms embargo due to concerns about ongoing armed conflict, weapons proliferation and human rights abuses.