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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/9/REV.1 Australia 2017
Chemical, toxic and hazardous substances…
Chemical, toxic and hazardous substances management, MEAs implementation and compliance
 Ban/Prohibition, Import licences Chemicals
Import licences for certain organochlorine…
Import licences for certain organochlorine chemicals as listed in Schedule 1 of the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Administration) Regulations 1995 and Schedule 9 of the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 (PI Regulations)
Environment related objective
To comply with the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants in order to prevent harmful effects on animals, people and the environment
Measure description Coverage of the measure
Import licences for certain organochlorine chemicals as listed in Schedule 1 of the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Administration) Regulations 1995 and Schedule 9 of the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 (PI Regulations)
Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) including the intentionally produced persistent organic pollutants that are listed under Schedule 1 of the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Administration) Regulations 1995 in accordance with the Stockholm Convention

These chemicals are considered to be generally persistent in the environment, relatively toxic and bio accumulate in organisms.
Type of measure
Ban and Import licences
 ICS - HS Code
Subsidy amount Implementation period
Keywords
Environment
Pollution
Bio
Hazardous
Import Licensing Procedures G/LIC/N/3/AUS/9/REV.1 Australia 2017
Climate change mitigation and adaptation, MEAs…
Climate change mitigation and adaptation, MEAs implementation and compliance, Ozone layer protection
Ban/Prohibition, Export licences, Import licences…
Ban/Prohibition, Export licences, Import licences, Import quotas, Other environmental requirements
 Chemicals, Manufacturing
The Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas…
The Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989
Environment related objective
To protect the ozone layer
Measure description Coverage of the measure
The Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989
Ozone depleting hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC); Methylbromide; Synthetic greenhouse gases

The requirements of the licensing system are:
o Controlled substances:
o Import, export or manufacture of methyl bromide
o Import, export or manufacture of bulk HCFCs, with import quotas set in line with Montreal Protocol phase-out obligations and Australia’s domestic policy to accelerate phase-out of HCFCs;
o Import, export or manufacture of bulk hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride, with no restrictions on quantity.

• Essential use:
o import, export or manufacture of bulk chlorofluorocarbons, halons, carbon tetrachloride, methyl chloroform and bromochloromethane approved for essential use by the parties to the Montreal Protocol.
• Used substances:
o import and export of bulk used chlorofluorocarbons, halons, carbon tetrachloride, methyl chloroform, bromochloromethane, methyl bromide and hydrochlorofluorocarbons.
Precharged equipment containing synthetic greenhouse gases and HCFCs

The import and manufacture of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment charged with an HCFC refrigerant, designed to operate only using a HCFC refrigerant or containing insulating foam manufactured with a HCFC is prohibited under the legislation, unless an exemption has been granted. These exemptions were reviewed for 2015 apply to:
• chillers charged with HCFC-123 (to 31 December 2015);
• replacement parts for existing HCFC air conditioning and refrigeration equipment (to 31 December 2019);
• components for existing high static ducted split system air conditioners to 30 June 2016);
equipment insulated with foam manufactured with HCFC (to 31 December 2019).

In addition, certain products containing, manufactured with or designed to operate using some ozone depleting substances are prohibited from import, export or manufacture unless the Minister has granted an exemption. An exemption under Section 40 of the Act is issued only where the use of a substance is essential for medical, veterinary, defence, industrial safety or public safety purposes and no practical alternative exists.
Type of measure
Licensing and quota restrictions on import, export and manufacture of ozone depleting hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC) and licensing of imports of methylbromide; Licensing requirements for import, export and manufacture of synthetic greenhouse gases and to import products containing synthetic greenhouse gases; and
Prohibition
 ICS - HS Code
Subsidy amount Implementation period
Keywords
Climate
MEAs
Soil
Ozone
Green
Import Licensing Procedures G/LIC/N/3/AUS/9/REV.1 Australia 2017
Biodiversity and ecosystem, Other environmental…
Biodiversity and ecosystem, Other environmental risks mitigation
Import licences, Other environmental requirements…
Import licences, Other environmental requirements, Regulation affecting movement or transit
 All products/economic activities
32 GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS The Gene…
32 GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS
The Gene Technology Act 2000 (GT Act), the Gene Technology Regulations 2001 (GT Regulations) - nationally consistent system to regulate work (dealings) with genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Australia.
Environment related objective
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 scheme also implements Australia’s obligations under Article 8(g) the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Voluntary system / industry self-regulation is not appropriate due to the level of public concern over the potential risks posed by GMOs.
Measure description Coverage of the measure
32 GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS
The Gene Technology Act 2000 (GT Act), the Gene Technology Regulations 2001 (GT Regulations) - nationally consistent system to regulate work (dealings) with genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Australia.
All GMOs, whether created in Australia or imported are covered by the Gene Technology legislation.
Type of measure
Import and other requirements on creation,import, transport, disposal, growth and propagation of GMOs
 ICS - HS Code
Subsidy amount Implementation period
Keywords
Bio
Genetic
Import Licensing Procedures G/LIC/N/3/AUS/9/REV.1 Australia 2017
Chemical, toxic and hazardous substances…
Chemical, toxic and hazardous substances management, MEAs implementation and compliance, Waste management and recycling
 Ban/Prohibition, Import licences Other
Import licences for radioactive substances under…
Import licences for radioactive substances under the Customs Act 1901 and Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 (PI Regulations)
Environment related objective
To comply with Australia's international obligations under the Basel Convention on the Control of trans-boundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes
Measure description Coverage of the measure
Import licences for radioactive substances under the Customs Act 1901 and Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 (PI Regulations)
Radioactive materials or substances including radium, radioactive isotopes or any articles containing any radioactive material or substance
Type of measure
Permission to import
 ICS - HS Code
Subsidy amount Implementation period
Keywords
Hazardous
Waste
MEAs
Quantitative Restrictions G/MA/QR/N/AUS/3 Australia 2017
Chemical, toxic and hazardous substances…
Chemical, toxic and hazardous substances management
 Ban/Prohibition Mining
Regulation 4 of the Customs (Prohibited Export)…
Regulation 4 of the Customs (Prohibited Export) Regulations 1958. Hazardous Waste (Regulation of Exports and Imports) Act 1989 (the Act)

QR No. 1: Asbestos

Exportation of asbestos and 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 Act, or a confirmation in accordance with sub-regulation (3) has been issued by the relevant State or Territory agency, or permission has been granted by the Minister administering the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 or a person authorised by that Minister.
However, the prohibition does not prohibit the exportation from Australia, of goods, containing 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 exportation of asbestos and goods containing asbestos.

WTO Justification: Article XX(b) of the GATT

Grounds for restriction: 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
Regulation 4 of the Customs (Prohibited Export) Regulations 1958. Hazardous Waste (Regulation of Exports and Imports) Act 1989 (the Act)

QR No. 1: Asbestos

Exportation of asbestos and 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 Act, or a confirmation in accordance with sub-regulation (3) has been issued by the relevant State or Territory agency, or permission has been granted by the Minister administering the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 or a person authorised by that Minister.
However, the prohibition does not prohibit the exportation from Australia, of goods, containing 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 goods containing asbestos
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 (e.g. 2012-2014): 2016 and relates to restrictions in force as of 31/12/2016.
Keywords
Hazardous
Waste
Quantitative Restrictions G/MA/QR/N/AUS/3 Australia 2017
Chemical, toxic and hazardous substances…
Chemical, toxic and hazardous substances management, Sustainable agriculture management
 Export licences Agriculture, Chemicals
Regulation 4A of the Customs (Prohibited Export)…
Regulation 4A of the Customs (Prohibited Export) Regulations 1958; the Agvet Regulations 1995.

QR No. 2: Agricultural and veterinary chemicals

If a controlled chemical is an active constituent or agvet chemical product (as defined by the Agricultural and Veterinary Code Act 1994) the restrictions of Schedule 1 of the Agvet Regulations apply.
If the controlled chemical is not an active constituent or agvet chemical product or is being exported for other purposes, then a permit issued by the Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources (or authorised officer) under regulation 4A of the Customs (Prohibited Export) Regulations 1958 is required.
Environment related objective
To protect the environment by applying restrictions on controlled chemicals that are active constituent or agvet chemical products, or by requiring export permit for controlled chemicals that are not active constituent or agvet chemical products.

WTO Justification: Article XX(b) of the GATT

Grounds for restriction: the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (the Stockholm Convention); 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
Regulation 4A of the Customs (Prohibited Export) Regulations 1958; the Agvet Regulations 1995.

QR No. 2: Agricultural and veterinary chemicals

If a controlled chemical is an active constituent or agvet chemical product (as defined by the Agricultural and Veterinary Code Act 1994) the restrictions of Schedule 1 of the Agvet Regulations apply.
If the controlled chemical is not an active constituent or agvet chemical product or is being exported for other purposes, then a permit issued by the Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources (or authorised officer) under regulation 4A of the Customs (Prohibited Export) Regulations 1958 is required.
Chemicals listed in Schedule 2 of the Customs (Prohibited Export) Regulations 1958; chemicals listed in Schedule 1 of the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Administration) Regulations 1995 (the Agvet Regulations)
Type of measure
NAL-X: Non-automatic licensing for exportation
 ICS - HS Code
Subsidy amount Implementation period
Information for the following biennial period (e.g. 2012-2014): 2016 and relates to restrictions in force as of 31/12/2016.
Keywords
Pollution
Hazardous
Quantitative Restrictions G/MA/QR/N/AUS/3 Australia 2017 Biodiversity and ecosystem Export licences Not specified
Regulation 13E of Customs (Prohibited Exports)…
Regulation 13E of Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations 1958. Defence Trade Controls Act (2012) for intangible exports ie technology, knowledge

QR No. 3: Biological agents

All exports require a permit from the Department of Defence prior to export.
Environment related objective
To protect the environment by establishing regulations on biological agents, including GMOs.

WTO Justification: Article XXI(b)(ii) of the GATT

Grounds for restriction: Australia Group, Biological Weapons Convention.
Measure description Coverage of the measure
Regulation 13E of Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations 1958. Defence Trade Controls Act (2012) for intangible exports ie technology, knowledge

QR No. 3: Biological agents

All exports require a permit from the Department of Defence prior to export.
Biological agents including human pathogens zoonoses, toxins, animal pathogens, plant pathogens and genetically elements and genetically modified organisms
Type of measure
NAL-X: Non-automatic licensing for exportation
 ICS - HS Code
Subsidy amount Implementation period
Information for the following biennial period (e.g. 2012-2014): 2016 and relates to restrictions in force as of 31/12/2016.
Keywords
Bio
Genetic
Quantitative Restrictions G/MA/QR/N/AUS/3 Australia 2017 Animal protection Ban/Prohibition Other
Regulation 9AB of Customs (Prohibited Exports)…
Regulation 9AB of Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations 1958.

QR No. 4: Cat and dog fur

The exportation of cat and dog fur and goods made from or using cat or dog fur is prohibited unless the permission of the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, or an authorised person, has been obtained.
Environment related objective
To protect species (i.e. cats and dogs) with a view at public morals.

WTO Justification: Article XX(a) of the GATT.
Measure description Coverage of the measure
Regulation 9AB of Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations 1958.

QR No. 4: Cat and dog fur

The exportation of cat and dog fur and goods made from or using cat or dog fur is prohibited unless the permission of the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, or an authorised person, has been obtained.
The goods covered by this control are pelts or hair tanned or processed furs or pelts, including goods that may contain such fur or hair, that are derived from the species Felis catus and Canis familiaris.
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 (e.g. 2012-2014): 2016 and relates to restrictions in force as of 31/12/2016.
Keywords
Wildlife
Quantitative Restrictions G/MA/QR/N/AUS/3 Australia 2017
Animal protection, MEAs implementation and…
Animal protection, MEAs implementation and compliance
 Export licences, Import licences Other
Environment Protection and Biodiversity…
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999; Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Regulations 2000.

QR No. 6: 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 relevant CITES permits from the Department of the Environment and Energy
Environment related objective
To protect wildlife and endangered species, in particular cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises), through import/export certificates of vintage cetacean specimens.

WTO Justification: Article XX(b) of the GATT

Grounds for restriction: Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
Measure description Coverage of the measure
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999; Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Regulations 2000.

QR No. 6: 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 relevant CITES permits from the Department of the Environment and Energy
Cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises), parts of cetaceans or products derived from cetaceans.
Type of measure
NAL-X: Non-automatic licensing for exportation
 ICS - HS Code
Subsidy amount Implementation period
Information for the following biennial period (e.g. 2012-2014): 2016 and relates to restrictions in force as of 31/12/2016.
Keywords
Endangered
Conservation
Environment
MEAs
Wildlife
Quantitative Restrictions G/MA/QR/N/AUS/3 Australia 2017 Biodiversity and ecosystem Ban/Prohibition Other
Regulation 3 of the Customs (Prohibited Imports)…
Regulation 3 of the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956.

QR No. 11: Dogs - dangerous breeds

The importation of these dog breeds is prohibited absolutely.
Environment related objective
To protect the native species by prohibiting the importation of dangerous dog breeds

WTO Justification: Article XX(b) of the GATT.
Measure description Coverage of the measure
Regulation 3 of the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956.

QR No. 11: Dogs - dangerous breeds

The importation of these dog breeds is prohibited absolutely.
Dogs of the following breeds - dogo Argentino; fila Brasileiro; Japanese tosa; American pit bull terrier or pit bull terrier; Perro de Presa Canario or Presa Canario.
Type of measure
P: Prohibition
 ICS - HS Code
Subsidy amount Implementation period
Information for the following biennial period (e.g. 2012-2014): 2016 and relates to restrictions in force as of 31/12/2016.
Keywords
Wildlife