   
  
WT/L/1134/Add.2  
 
6 October 2023  
(23-6734) Page: 1/1 
  Original: English  
 
 
TRADE MEASURES TAKEN BY AUSTRALIA AGAINST IMPORTS  
FROM THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION  
COMMUNICATION FROM AUSTRALIA  
Addendum  
The following communication, dated 6 October 2023, is being circulated at the request of the 
delegation of Australia.  
 
_______________  
 
 
1.  On 25 September 2023, Australia announced the extension of its measure to withdraw Russia 's 
entitlement to Most -Favoured -Nation (MFN) tariff treatment by t he imposition of an additional 
customs duty of 35 per cent on goods that are the product or manufacture of Russia or Belarus. The 
original measure applied for six months to goods shipped to Australia on or after 25 April 2022 and 
ended on 24 October 2022. It was subsequently renewed for 12 months until 24 October 2023. The 
measure has now been extended for a period of twenty -four months to 24 October 2025. The 
measure has been extended through the Notice of Intention to Propose Customs Tariff Alterations 
(No. 4) 2023 . 
2.  The 35 per cent tariff applies to all goods originating from Russia or Belarus regardless of their 
tariff classification and value and is in addition to the general duty rates that already apply. Further 
information can be found at: https://www.abf.gov.au/help -and-support -
subsite/CustomsNotices/2023 -42.pdf . 
3.  This temporary measure is a response to Russia 's unprovoked, unjust  and illegal invasion of 
Ukraine, supported by Belarus, and is necessary for the protection of Australia 's essential security 
interests. Russia 's actions, supported by Belarus, are a gross violation of international law, including 
the Charter of the United  Nations. They violate Ukraine 's sovereignty and territorial integrity and 
undermine the rules -based international order. Australia is committed to upholding these principles, 
which are essential to international, regional and domestic stability and securi ty. 
4.  Australia considers that the measure described above is justified under WTO rules, including 
GATT Article XXI, given Russia 's invasion.   
__________  