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Agreement Document symbol Notifying Member Year Harmonized types of environment-related objectives Harmonized types of measures Harmonized types of sectors subject to the measure Measure description See more information
Quantitative Restrictions G/MA/QR/N/AUS/5 Australia 2020
Animal protection, Biodiversity and ecosystem,…
Animal protection, Biodiversity and ecosystem, MEAs implementation and compliance, Plant protection
 Export licences, Import licences Other
3. Endangered animal and plant species – CITES…
3. Endangered animal and plant species – CITES and Australian native species: Plant and animal species listed under CITES generally require a CITES permit for import or export. Restrictions vary according to the CITES appendix listing (I, II or III). There are some exemptions for exports of personal and household effects (non–live specimens). Australian native animals and plants which are not described in the List of Exempt Native Specimens require an export permit.
Environment related objective
To protect plant and animal species listed under CITES. WTO Justification: Article XX(b) of the GATT; CITES
Measure description Coverage of the measure
3. Endangered animal and plant species – CITES and Australian native species: Plant and animal species listed under CITES generally require a CITES permit for import or export. Restrictions vary according to the CITES appendix listing (I, II or III). There are some exemptions for exports of personal and household effects (non–live specimens). Australian native animals and plants which are not described in the List of Exempt Native Specimens require an export permit.
Animal and plant species and all products manufactured from species (including some medicinal products) listed in the appendices to the CITES. Examples include black coral, orchids and ivory products
Type of measure
NAL: Non-automatic licensing; NAL-X: Non-automatic licensing for exportation; CP-X: Prohibition except under defined conditions for exportation
 ICS - HS Code
Subsidy amount Implementation period
Information for the following biennial period: 2020-2022 and relates to restrictions in force as of 30 September 2020
Keywords
Bio
Conservation
Endangered
Environment
MEAs
Quantitative Restrictions G/MA/QR/N/AUS/5 Australia 2020
Animal protection, MEAs implementation and…
Animal protection, MEAs implementation and compliance
 Export licences, Import licences Fisheries
4. Cetaceans: Cetacean specimens may only be…
4. Cetaceans: Cetacean specimens may only be exported and imported if they are vintage specimens or for non-commercial purposes (research, education, exhibition, conservation). Exports and imports of vintage specimens must be accompanied by pre-CITES certificates demonstrating that the specimens were taken prior to 1975. Non-commercial exports and imports require CITES permits from the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment.
Environment related objective
To protect wildlife and endangered species. WTO Justification: Article XX(b) of the GATT; Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
Measure description Coverage of the measure
4. Cetaceans: Cetacean specimens may only be exported and imported if they are vintage specimens or for non-commercial purposes (research, education, exhibition, conservation). Exports and imports of vintage specimens must be accompanied by pre-CITES certificates demonstrating that the specimens were taken prior to 1975. Non-commercial exports and imports require CITES permits from the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment.
Cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises), parts of cetaceans or products derived from cetaceans. ICS-HS Code have ex.
Type of measure
NAL: Non-automatic licensing; NAL-X: Non-automatic licensing for exportation
 ICS - HS Code
0106.12
0507.90.00
0511.99
Subsidy amount Implementation period
Information for the following biennial period: 2020-2022 and relates to restrictions in force as of 30 September 2020
Keywords
Bio
Conservation
Endangered
Environment
MEAs
Wildlife
Quantitative Restrictions G/MA/QR/N/AUS/5 Australia 2020
MEAs implementation and compliance, Sustainable…
MEAs implementation and compliance, Sustainable fisheries management
 Export licences, Import licences Fisheries
5. Toothfish: Exports of toothfish and parts of…
5. Toothfish: Exports of toothfish and parts of toothfish whether fresh, frozen, smoked, preserved in containers, or in any other form are prohibited unless a permission in writing has been obtained from the Minister administering the Fisheries Management Act 1991 or an authorized officer from the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA). Applies to all fish and fish parts of this species whether fresh, frozen, smoked, preserved in airtight containers or in any other form.
Environment related objective
To contribute to the conservation of toothfish species. Article XX(b) of the GATT; Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR)
Measure description Coverage of the measure
5. Toothfish: Exports of toothfish and parts of toothfish whether fresh, frozen, smoked, preserved in containers, or in any other form are prohibited unless a permission in writing has been obtained from the Minister administering the Fisheries Management Act 1991 or an authorized officer from the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA). Applies to all fish and fish parts of this species whether fresh, frozen, smoked, preserved in airtight containers or in any other form.
Antarctic Toothfish and Patagonian Toothfish found in sub-Antarctic and Antarctic waters, including waters around Australia's external territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands. Applies to all fish and fish parts of this species whether fresh, frozen, smoked, preserved in airtight containers or in any other form.
Type of measure
NAL: Non-automatic licensing; NAL-X: Non-automatic licensing for exportation
 ICS - HS Code
0302.83
0303.83
0304.85
0304.92
Subsidy amount Implementation period
Information for the following biennial period: 2020-2022 and relates to restrictions in force as of 30 September 2020
Keywords
Conservation
Fish
MEAs
Quantitative Restrictions G/MA/QR/N/AUS/5 Australia 2020 Sustainable forestry management Export licences Forestry
10. Unprocessed wood: An export licence is…
10. Unprocessed wood: An export licence is required from the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment.
Environment related objective
To protect forests by licensing exports of unprocessed wood. Article XX(b) of the GATT
Measure description Coverage of the measure
10. Unprocessed wood: An export licence is required from the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment.
Exports of 2 tonnes or more of: woodchips; wood in the round which is intended to undergo further processing following export; wood with a cross sectional area of 225 square centimetres or greater which is intended to undergo further processing following export; and sandalwood
Type of measure
NAL-X: Non-automatic licensing for exportation
 ICS - HS Code
Subsidy amount Implementation period
Information for the following biennial period: 2020-2022 and relates to restrictions in force as of 30 September 2020
Keywords
Environment
Forest
Quantitative Restrictions G/MA/QR/N/AUS/5 Australia 2020
Chemical, toxic and hazardous substances…
Chemical, toxic and hazardous substances management
 Export licences, Import licences Chemicals
12. Radioactive substances: ARPANSA issues export…
12. Radioactive substances: ARPANSA issues export permits for the exportation from Australia of high activity radioactive sources (...) -The importation of radioactive substances and goods containing radioactive substances is prohibited under the provisions...
Environment related objective
To protect the environment from radioactive substances. Article XX(b) of the GATT; International Atomic Energy Agency’s Code of Conduct of the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources.
Measure description Coverage of the measure
12. Radioactive substances: ARPANSA issues export permits for the exportation from Australia of high activity radioactive sources (...) -The importation of radioactive substances and goods containing radioactive substances is prohibited under the provisions...
For exports: Uranium, thorium and fissionable materials including plutonium, as per Schedule 7 of the Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations 1958. High Activity Radioactive Substances as per Schedule 7A of the Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations 1958. For imports: Any radioactive material or substance, including radium, any radioactive isotope or any article containing any radioactive material or substance.
Type of measure
NAL: Non-automatic licensing; NAL-X: Non-automatic licensing for exportation
 ICS - HS Code
2612
2844
2845.90
2922.50
3006.30
3006.92
8401.30
8531
9022.12
9022.13
9022.14
9022.19
9022.21
9022.29
9022.90
9027
Subsidy amount Implementation period
Information for the following biennial period: 2020-2022 and relates to restrictions in force as of 30 September 2020
Keywords
Hazardous
Quantitative Restrictions G/MA/QR/N/AUS/5 Australia 2020
Chemical, toxic and hazardous substances…
Chemical, toxic and hazardous substances management, MEAs implementation and compliance, Waste management and recycling
 Ban/Prohibition, Export licences Chemicals, Other
13. Radioactive waste: Export of radioactive…
13. Radioactive waste: Export of radioactive waste to Pacific Island Developing Countries. Radioactive waste exports to a PIDC may only be exported if approved by the Minister for Industry or an authorized person.
Environment related objective
To prohibit the export of radioactive waste. Article XX(b) of the GATT; Convention to Ban the Importation into Forum Countries of Hazardous and Radioactive Wastes and to Control the Transboundary Movement and Management of Hazardous Wastes within the South Pacific Region (the Waigani Convention)
Measure description Coverage of the measure
13. Radioactive waste: Export of radioactive waste to Pacific Island Developing Countries. Radioactive waste exports to a PIDC may only be exported if approved by the Minister for Industry or an authorized person.
Radioactive waste
Type of measure
CP-X: Prohibition except under defined conditions for exportation
 ICS - HS Code
Subsidy amount Implementation period
Information for the following biennial period: 2020-2022 and relates to restrictions in force as of 30 September 2020
Keywords
Hazardous
MEAs
Waste
Quantitative Restrictions G/MA/QR/N/AUS/5 Australia 2020
Chemical, toxic and hazardous substances…
Chemical, toxic and hazardous substances management, MEAs implementation and compliance
 Ban/Prohibition, Export licences Chemicals, Manufacturing, Other
14. Asbestos: Exportation and importation of…
14. Asbestos: Exportation and importation of asbestos and certain goods containing asbestos is prohibited unless the goods are raw materials that contain naturally occurring traces of asbestos, or the asbestos is, or the goods are, hazardous waste as defined in section 4 of the HW Act (...) - the prohibition does not prohibit the exportation from Australia, of asbestos or goods described in Schedule 1 that contain asbestos, that are incorporated into other goods in a way that does not constitute a risk to users until the asbestos is disturbed.
Environment related objective
To protect the environment by prohibiting the use of asbestos. Article XX(b) of the GATT; Annex III of the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade (the Rotterdam Convention)
Measure description Coverage of the measure
14. Asbestos: Exportation and importation of asbestos and certain goods containing asbestos is prohibited unless the goods are raw materials that contain naturally occurring traces of asbestos, or the asbestos is, or the goods are, hazardous waste as defined in section 4 of the HW Act (...) - the prohibition does not prohibit the exportation from Australia, of asbestos or goods described in Schedule 1 that contain asbestos, that are incorporated into other goods in a way that does not constitute a risk to users until the asbestos is disturbed.
Asbestos and certain goods containing asbestos
Type of measure
CP: Prohibition except under defined conditions; CP-X: Prohibition except under defined conditions for exportation
 ICS - HS Code
2524
2715
3214
6811.40
6812.80
6812.99
6813.20
8425.31
8703.21
8711
Subsidy amount Implementation period
Information for the following biennial period: 2020-2022 and relates to restrictions in force as of 30 September 2020
Keywords
Hazardous
MEAs
Waste
Quantitative Restrictions G/MA/QR/N/AUS/5 Australia 2020
Chemical, toxic and hazardous substances…
Chemical, toxic and hazardous substances management, MEAs implementation and compliance, Waste management and recycling
 Export licences, Import licences Chemicals, Other
15. Hazardous waste: All exports and imports…
15. Hazardous waste: All exports and imports require a permit under the Hazardous Waste (Regulation of Exports and Imports) Act 1989 which is administered by the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment.
Environment related objective
To protect the environment by regulating waste and to comply with the Basel Convention. Article XX(b) of the GATT; Basel Convention for the Control of Trans-boundary Movements of Hazardous Waste and their Disposal (the Basel Convention)
Measure description Coverage of the measure
15. Hazardous waste: All exports and imports require a permit under the Hazardous Waste (Regulation of Exports and Imports) Act 1989 which is administered by the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment.

Waste that is explosive, flammable, poisonous, toxic, exotoxic or infectious substances, clinical wastes, waste oils, waste residue from manufacture or household waste as defined by the Basel Convention.
Type of measure
NAL: Non-automatic licensing; NAL-X: Non-automatic licensing for exportation
 ICS - HS Code
Subsidy amount Implementation period
Information for the following biennial period: 2020-2022 and relates to restrictions in force as of 30 September 2020
Keywords
Hazardous
MEAs
Waste
Quantitative Restrictions G/MA/QR/N/AUS/5 Australia 2020
Chemical, toxic and hazardous substances…
Chemical, toxic and hazardous substances management, Climate change mitigation and adaptation, MEAs implementation and compliance, Ozone layer protection
 Export licences, Import licences Chemicals
16. Ozone depleting substances and Synthetic…
16. Ozone depleting substances and Synthetic Greenhouse Gases: The exportation and importation of certain ODS and SGG and equipment is prohibited unless a licence has been granted. A license is required to export ODS and SGG and can be granted by an authorised person at the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, as a delegate of the responsible Minister.
Environment related objective
To control the use of ozone depleting substances. Article XX(b) of the GATT; Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (the Montreal Protocol); the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
Measure description Coverage of the measure
16. Ozone depleting substances and Synthetic Greenhouse Gases: The exportation and importation of certain ODS and SGG and equipment is prohibited unless a licence has been granted. A license is required to export ODS and SGG and can be granted by an authorised person at the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, as a delegate of the responsible Minister.
Chemicals including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs); halons carbon tetrachloride; methyl chloroform; hydro-chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs); hydro-fluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), bromochloromethane (BCMs), methyl bromide, nitrogen trifluoride and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). There is an absolute prohibition on the export of hydrbromfluorocarbons (HBFCs).
Type of measure
NAL: Non-automatic licensing; NAL-X: Non-automatic licensing for exportation
 ICS - HS Code
2903.14
2903.71
2903.75
2903.76
2903.79
3824.71.00.00.00
3824.74
2903.19
2903.39
Subsidy amount Implementation period
Information for the following biennial period: 2020-2022 and relates to restrictions in force as of 30 September 2020
Keywords
Climate
Environment
Green
MEAs
Ozone
Quantitative Restrictions G/MA/QR/N/AUS/5 Australia 2020
Biodiversity and ecosystem, MEAs implementation…
Biodiversity and ecosystem, MEAs implementation and compliance
 Import licences Other
17. Imports to Antartica: Under the Antarctic…
17. Imports to Antartica: Under the Antarctic Treaty (Environment Protection) Act 1980 as amended, and in line with the requirements of the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (the Madrid Protocol), persons are not permitted to import certain items into Antarctica. This legislation applies to Australian nationals for all areas south of 60° south and for foreign nationals to the Australian Antarctic Territory only.
Environment related objective
To protect the environment by limiting imports of non-native species into the Antartica. Article XX(b) of the GATT; Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty.
Measure description Coverage of the measure
17. Imports to Antartica: Under the Antarctic Treaty (Environment Protection) Act 1980 as amended, and in line with the requirements of the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (the Madrid Protocol), persons are not permitted to import certain items into Antarctica. This legislation applies to Australian nationals for all areas south of 60° south and for foreign nationals to the Australian Antarctic Territory only.
A person shall not bring into the Antarctic an organism that is not indigenous to the Antarctic unless the organism (not being a live animal) was brought into the Antarctic to be used as food. None of these items may be brought into Antarctica unless authorised by a permit: non-sterile soil, or polychlorinated biphenyls, or polystyrene beads or chips or any similar kind of packaging material; and any pesticide unless for scientific, medical or hygienic purposes.
Type of measure
NAL: Non-automatic licensing
 ICS - HS Code
Subsidy amount Implementation period
Information for the following biennial period: 2020-2022 and relates to restrictions in force as of 30 September 2020
Keywords
Environment
Indigenous
MEAs
Soil