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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
Import Licensing Procedures G/LIC/N/3/AUS/13 Australia 2020
Biodiversity and ecosystem, Environmental…
Biodiversity and ecosystem, Environmental protection from pests and diseases, MEAs implementation and compliance, Natural resources conservation
Ban/Prohibition, Import licences, Quarantine…
Ban/Prohibition, Import licences, Quarantine requirements, Risk assessment
 Agriculture, Fisheries, Other
1 The Environment Protection and Biodiversity…
1 The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) regulates international trade in Australian native species, live animals and plants, and species listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Environment related objective
To manage the risk of introduction of pests and disease that could damage plant, animal or human health or the environment. To implement Australia’s obligations under CITES, by regulating international trade in wildlife and wildlife products, to contribute to the protection and conservation of species that are endangered, or could become endangered, and to facilitate legal, sustainable trade in wildlife.
Measure description Coverage of the measure
1 The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) regulates international trade in Australian native species, live animals and plants, and species listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Exports and imports of all live animals and plants; non-live animal and plant specimens, including parts and derivatives, of species listed under CITES. Prohibition of fish caught by foreign based fishing vessels and Patagonian and Antarctic toothfish.
Type of measure
Prohibition; Import and export licenses
 ICS - HS Code
Subsidy amount Implementation period
Keywords
Bio
Conservation
MEAs
Wildlife
Import Licensing Procedures G/LIC/N/3/AUS/13 Australia 2020
Chemical, toxic and hazardous substances…
Chemical, toxic and hazardous substances management
 Ban/Prohibition, Import licences Manufacturing
3 The importation of asbestos into Australia is…
3 The importation of asbestos into Australia is controlled under the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 (PI Regulations). Under the PI Regulations, the importation of asbestos, or goods containing asbestos, is subject to prohibition.
Environment related objective
To reduce and prevent occupational and environmental exposures to asbestos fibres, and the possible adverse health outcomes attributed to these exposures
Measure description Coverage of the measure
3 The importation of asbestos into Australia is controlled under the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 (PI Regulations). Under the PI Regulations, the importation of asbestos, or goods containing asbestos, is subject to prohibition.
Asbestos
Type of measure
Prohibition, controlled imports
 ICS - HS Code
Subsidy amount Implementation period
Keywords
Environment
Hazardous
Import Licensing Procedures G/LIC/N/3/AUS/13 Australia 2020
Animal protection, Biodiversity and ecosystem,…
Animal protection, Biodiversity and ecosystem, MEAs implementation and compliance
 Import licences, Other environmental requirements Other
5. All cetaceans are listed on Appendix I or II…
5. All cetaceans are listed on Appendix I or II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) all cetaceans and cetacean products are treated as if they were CITES Appendix I for the purposes of import into Australia. CITES requirements are enforced under the EPBC Act at Australian ports of entry by Home Affairs which acts on behalf of the Department of the Environment and Energy.
Environment related objective
To ensure that trade is not detrimental to the survival of the species, and thereby contribute to the conservation of cetaceans.
Measure description Coverage of the measure
5. All cetaceans are listed on Appendix I or II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) all cetaceans and cetacean products are treated as if they were CITES Appendix I for the purposes of import into Australia. CITES requirements are enforced under the EPBC Act at Australian ports of entry by Home Affairs which acts on behalf of the Department of the Environment and Energy.
Cetaceans (Whale, dolphin and porpoise products) - All cetaceans are listed on Appendix I or II of CITES
Type of measure
Import permits, CITES permit
 ICS - HS Code
Subsidy amount Implementation period
Keywords
Bio
Conservation
Endangered
Environment
MEAs
Wildlife
Import Licensing Procedures G/LIC/N/3/AUS/13 Australia 2020
Biodiversity and ecosystem, MEAs implementation…
Biodiversity and ecosystem, MEAs implementation and compliance, Other environmental risks mitigation
Import licences, Other environmental requirements…
Import licences, Other environmental requirements, Regulation affecting movement or transit
 All products/economic activities
11 . The Gene Technology Act 2000 (GT Act), the…
11 . The Gene Technology Act 2000 (GT Act), the Gene Technology Regulations 2001 (GT Regulations) and corresponding state and territory laws provide a nationally consistent system to regulate work (dealings) with genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Australia. This includes the creation or import, transport, disposal, growth and propagation of GMOs
Environment related objective
To manage the risks of working with GMOs; to protect the health and safety of people, and to protect the environment, by identifying risks posed by or as a result of gene technology, and by managing those risks through regulating certain dealings with GMOs. The Gene Technology Regulatory Scheme also implements Australia’s obligations under Article the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.
Measure description Coverage of the measure
11 . The Gene Technology Act 2000 (GT Act), the Gene Technology Regulations 2001 (GT Regulations) and corresponding state and territory laws provide a nationally consistent system to regulate work (dealings) with genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Australia. This includes the creation or import, transport, disposal, growth and propagation of GMOs
All GMOs, whether created in Australia or imported are covered by the Gene Technology legislation.
Type of measure
Import and other requirements on creation, transport, disposal, growth and propagation
 ICS - HS Code
Subsidy amount Implementation period
Keywords
Bio
Genetic
MEAs
Import Licensing Procedures G/LIC/N/3/AUS/13 Australia 2020
Chemical, toxic and hazardous substances…
Chemical, toxic and hazardous substances management
 Ban/Prohibition, Import licences Chemicals
12 For health and safety reasons, the importation…
12 For health and safety reasons, the importation of goods deemed to be hazardous is prohibited under the Customs Act 1901, the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 (PI Regulations) and the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. Only the responsible Minister or an authorized person can grant permission to import banned goods.
Environment related objective
Protection of environment against toxic, hazardous and chemical substances
Measure description Coverage of the measure
12 For health and safety reasons, the importation of goods deemed to be hazardous is prohibited under the Customs Act 1901, the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 (PI Regulations) and the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. Only the responsible Minister or an authorized person can grant permission to import banned goods.
Hazardous products. Goods listed under Schedule 2 in relation to Regulation 4 of the PI Regulation.
Type of measure
Prohibition; Import licenses
 ICS - HS Code
Subsidy amount Implementation period
Keywords
Environment
Hazardous
Import Licensing Procedures G/LIC/N/3/AUS/13 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, Regulation…
Export licences, Import licences, Regulation affecting movement or transit
 Other
13 The import, export and transit of hazardous…
13 The import, export and transit of hazardous waste is regulated under the Hazardous Waste (Regulation of Exports and Imports) Act 1989 (the Act) and associated regulations: establish a permit control system for the export from, import into, or transit through, Australia of hazardous and other wastes.
Environment related objective
To ensure that hazardous waste is managed in an environmentally sound manner to protect human beings and the environment, within and outside Australia. Comply with Basel Convention, the Waigani Convention.
Measure description Coverage of the measure
13 The import, export and transit of hazardous waste is regulated under the Hazardous Waste (Regulation of Exports and Imports) Act 1989 (the Act) and associated regulations: establish a permit control system for the export from, import into, or transit through, Australia of hazardous and other wastes.
Hazardous and radioactive waste
Type of measure
Permit control system for the export from, import into, or transit through, Australia
ICS - HS Code
Subsidy amount Implementation period
Keywords
Environment
Hazardous
MEAs
Recycle
Waste
Import Licensing Procedures G/LIC/N/3/AUS/13 Australia 2020
Biodiversity and ecosystem, MEAs implementation…
Biodiversity and ecosystem, MEAs implementation and compliance
 Ban/Prohibition, Import licences Agriculture, Chemicals, Manufacturing, Other
15 Under the Antarctic Treaty (Environment…
15 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
Protect the Antarctic from non-indigenous organisms. Comply with Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (the Madrid Protocol),
Measure description Coverage of the measure
15 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.
Imports to Antarctica. Animal, plant, virus, bacterium, yeast or fungus that is not indigenous to the Antarctic unless the animal (not being a live bird), plant, virus, bacterium, yeast or fungus, as the case may be, was brought into the Antarctic to be used as food; non-sterile soil, or polychlorinated biphenyls, or polystyrene beads or chips or any similar kind of packaging material; pesticides not for scientific, medical or hygienic purposes
Type of measure
Prohibition; Import licensing
 ICS - HS Code
Subsidy amount Implementation period
Keywords
Environment
Indigenous
MEAs
Import Licensing Procedures G/LIC/N/3/AUS/13 Australia 2020
Animal protection, Biodiversity and ecosystem,…
Animal protection, Biodiversity and ecosystem, Environmental protection from pests and diseases, Plant protection
 Ban/Prohibition, Import licences Agriculture, Other
16 The purpose of the Territory of Heard Island…
16 The purpose of the Territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands Environment Protection and Management Ordinance 1987 is the preservation and management of the Territory for the protection of its environment and wildlife.
Environment related objective
To preserve and manage the Territory for the protection of its environment and wildlife
Measure description Coverage of the measure
16 The purpose of the Territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands Environment Protection and Management Ordinance 1987 is the preservation and management of the Territory for the protection of its environment and wildlife.
Imports to Territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands. The importation of any diseased organism or live poultry (prohibition); and the importation of any organism, or any dead poultry or poultry products (permit required).
Type of measure
Import licences;Import prohibition
 ICS - HS Code
Subsidy amount Implementation period
Keywords
Environment
Indigenous
Wildlife
Import Licensing Procedures G/LIC/N/3/AUS/13 Australia 2020
Climate change mitigation and adaptation, Energy…
Climate change mitigation and adaptation, Energy conservation and efficiency
 Ban/Prohibition, Import licences Manufacturing
17 The prohibition was brought into effect in…
17 The prohibition was brought into effect in advance of point of sale restrictions for these products. Note that as no incandescent lighting of this type is manufactured in Australia this is an effective means of implementing the phase-out. The Licensing system is administered by the Residential Energy Efficiency Branch, Department of Environment and Energy,
Environment related objective
To phase-out inefficient incandescent lighting as part of Australia’s efforts to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Measure description Coverage of the measure
17 The prohibition was brought into effect in advance of point of sale restrictions for these products. Note that as no incandescent lighting of this type is manufactured in Australia this is an effective means of implementing the phase-out. The Licensing system is administered by the Residential Energy Efficiency Branch, Department of Environment and Energy,
Inefficient GLS electric filament lamps as set out in Australian Standard 4934.2(Int):2008- Incandescent Lamps for General Lighting Services, Part 2: Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) Requirements.
Type of measure
Ban and Import licences
 ICS - HS Code
Subsidy amount Implementation period
Keywords
Emissions
Energy
Import Licensing Procedures G/LIC/N/3/AUS/13 Australia 2020
Chemical, toxic and hazardous substances…
Chemical, toxic and hazardous substances management, MEAs implementation and compliance
 Import licences Chemicals
18 Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction…
18 Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS), established under the Industrial Chemicals Act 2019 (IC Act). AICIS aids in the protection of the Australian people and the environment through the regulation of the introduction of industrial chemicals, the assessment and evaluation of the introduction and use of certain industrial chemicals and providing information and recommendations to promote their safe use.

These chemicals are considered to be highly toxic and virtually indestructible and a considerable danger to the environment. PCB waste may also be imported under the Hazardous Waste (Regulations of Exports and Imports) Act 1989, provided all the requirements of that Act have been met.
Environment related objective
To comply with the Rotterdam Convention promoting shared responsibility and cooperative efforts among Parties in the international trade of certain hazardous chemicals in order to protect human health and the environment from potential harm; and To ensure that no new chemicals are introduced into Australia unless they have been assessed for risks to public health, occupational health and safety and the environment
Measure description Coverage of the measure
18 Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS), established under the Industrial Chemicals Act 2019 (IC Act). AICIS aids in the protection of the Australian people and the environment through the regulation of the introduction of industrial chemicals, the assessment and evaluation of the introduction and use of certain industrial chemicals and providing information and recommendations to promote their safe use.

These chemicals are considered to be highly toxic and virtually indestructible and a considerable danger to the environment. PCB waste may also be imported under the Hazardous Waste (Regulations of Exports and Imports) Act 1989, provided all the requirements of that Act have been met.
Industrial chemicals include a broad range of chemicals used in inks, plastics, adhesives, paints, glues, solvents, cosmetics, soaps and other products. Persistent organic pollutants including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated triphenyls (PCTs) and polychlorinated polyphenyls; Hazardous chemicals.
Type of measure
Import licenses
 ICS - HS Code
Subsidy amount Implementation period
Keywords
Environment
Hazardous
MEAs
Pollution
Waste