White House waives new Russia-related tariffs under sanctions order
The White House has issued an executive order implementing provisions of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 while simultaneously waiving the additional import duties authorised under the legislation.
The order, dated 16 October 2026, addresses sanctions measures affecting goods originating in Russia. Although the legislation provides for duties of up to 500% of the value of imported goods, the administration has exercised its waiver authority, meaning the additional duties covered by the exemption are not being collected under the order.
The decision is relevant to international trade and supply chains, where changes to sanctions and customs duties can affect sourcing decisions, import costs and compliance requirements.
Additional duties subject to presidential waiver
According to the executive order, the Graham Act was signed into law on 18 September 2026 and authorised additional duties on goods originating from the Russian Federation.
The order provided for the measures to take effect on 18 October 2026. However, it also invoked the presidential authority under Section 115 of the legislation to waive their application in the national interests of the United States.
As a result, the announcement should not be interpreted as the immediate collection of a 500% tariff on Russian-origin imports.
The executive order also addresses additional trade measures involving certain countries purchasing Russian oil or natural gas, or facilitating activities intended to circumvent sanctions. Those provisions are likewise subject to a waiver under the order.
Implications for international trade
The waiver limits the immediate tariff impact of the measures described in the executive order, although it does not eliminate the broader sanctions and compliance obligations that may apply to trade involving Russia.
Importers, freight forwarders and logistics providers must continue to distinguish between duties authorised by legislation, duties actually in force and other restrictions imposed under separate sanctions programmes.
The decision also leaves the underlying statutory framework in place, meaning any subsequent change to the waiver or implementation arrangements could affect the treatment of relevant imports.
For businesses managing international shipments, the immediate significance of the announcement lies in the distinction between the introduction of sanctions provisions and the decision not to apply the additional duties at this stage.
