Overview
The Australian Government made changes to a range of United Nations sanctions regulations, signed on 25 March 2026. The instrument is the Charter of the United Nations Legislation Amendment (Sanctions) Regulations 2026, administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Department of Home Affairs.
What the regulations amend
The amendments cover rules relating to dealing with assets and prohibited imports and exports under two Acts:
- the Charter of the United Nations Act 1945
- the Customs Act 1901
The countries covered by the amended regulations include North Korea, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Iran, the Taliban, ISIL/Al-Qaida, Lebanon, South Sudan, Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Regulations repealed
As part of this update, the Mali sanctions regulations and the Iran sanctions regulation were repealed.
Period in force
This instrument was in force from 25 March 2026 to 12 August 2026, after which it was repealed.
Key actions
- Businesses that import or export goods can check whether any of the amended prohibited imports or exports regulations affect their trade by reviewing the full instrument at https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L00298.
- Businesses with dealings involving entities or assets connected to any of the listed countries - North Korea, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Iraq, Lebanon, South Sudan, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Taliban, or ISIL/Al-Qaida - can review the updated asset-dealing rules under the Charter of the United Nations (Dealing with Assets) Regulations 2008.
- This instrument is no longer in force as of 12 August 2026. The Federal Register of Legislation at https://www.legislation.gov.au can be checked for any successor instrument that may have replaced it.
This is a plain-English summary for information only, not legal or compliance advice. Always check the official source or consult a qualified professional.