The President signed an executive order on Oct. 16, 2026, to implement the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. The document, published Oct. 21, 2026, establishes duty increases on Russian goods and countries evading sanctions, while simultaneously waiving those penalties.
The order increases the rate of duty on goods from the Russian Federation by 500%. It also sets a 100% duty increase on goods from the top five countries that import Russian crude oil and natural gas if they knowingly make new purchases on or after Oct. 18, 2026, as well as on goods from the top five facilitators of Russian oil sanctions evasion.
However, Section 4 of the order waives the application of these duties and sanctions. The order states the President submitted a certification to Congress that waiving the penalties is in the national interests of the United States. According to the document, the waivers will remain in effect until the President or designated officials determine further action is appropriate.
The order directs the United States Trade Representative, in consultation with the Secretaries of State, Treasury, and Energy, to monitor Russian oil and gas purchases and sanctions evasion, and to report to the President. It also delegates specific statutory authorities under the Graham Act to these department heads.
According to the document, nothing in the order affects existing sanctions or measures under any executive order addressing the national emergency regarding the Russian Federation that was continued on March 24, 2026.