North Korea Import Restrictions

In order to enter North Korea, certain goods are subject to specific controls and, regardless of their value and quantity, they require the consent of North Korea government, preferably, license must be obtained prior to passage through the customs, preventing the goods from being retained. On this page, you will see what kinds of items are prohibited from entering the North Korea, and which items need special documentation before exporting to North Korea.

North Korea, officially known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), is a highly isolated and closed-off country in East Asia. Its government, led by the Workers’ Party of Korea, maintains strict control over the country’s economy and foreign trade. Due to international sanctions, North Korea’s trade policies are more restrictive than those of most other countries. These sanctions, imposed by the United Nations, the United States, and the European Union, aim to deter the country from pursuing nuclear weapons programs and other activities that are considered threats to global peace and stability.

Despite the country’s limited international trade, North Korea still imports goods, particularly in areas such as food, medicine, machinery, and consumer goods. However, the government enforces strict import regulations to manage the flow of goods into the country. Import restrictions in North Korea are designed to prioritize state control over the economy, maintain political stability, and ensure that only goods that align with the country’s goals and security needs are allowed entry. The North Korean Ministry of External Economic Affairs and Customs Department oversee the importation process.

The import restrictions are also influenced by the need to comply with the country’s state-run economic policies. While the country has limited imports from abroad, there are certain products that are either prohibited or require specific permits before they can be brought into the country. These restrictions are frequently updated to respond to changing security concerns and the impact of global sanctions.

Prohibited Items for Import into North Korea

The North Korean government has instituted numerous prohibitions on imports. These restrictions are designed to preserve national security, limit the influence of foreign goods, and prevent unwanted political or social influences. Several categories of goods are strictly prohibited from entering the country.

Products Harmful to Public Health and Safety

The North Korean government places significant importance on maintaining public health and safety. As such, certain products that pose risks to the population are prohibited from entering the country.

• Illicit Drugs and Narcotics: North Korea has a firm stance on the importation of illicit drugs and narcotics. Despite its strict laws on drug control, illegal drug trafficking remains a concern in some regions of the country. The importation of narcotics such as heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamines is strictly banned. The government enforces harsh penalties for those caught trafficking or possessing illegal drugs. This includes prison sentences, fines, or even harsher punishments depending on the severity of the offense. The country has a zero-tolerance policy regarding drug trade and trafficking, ensuring that foreign narcotics do not enter the country to prevent drug-related issues within the population. Additionally, international sanctions on the country have further contributed to the limitations on trade in controlled substances. The aim of these regulations is to protect the health and security of North Korea’s citizens while preventing external influence that could disrupt domestic policies.

• Counterfeit Goods and Substandard Products: The importation of counterfeit goods and substandard products is prohibited in North Korea. This includes counterfeit medicines, luxury goods, electronics, and other consumer products that fail to meet quality standards. The country places a premium on the reliability and safety of imported goods. The Ministry of External Economic Affairs monitors imports carefully to ensure that only authorized and high-quality products are allowed entry into the country. Counterfeit medicines and medical devices are particularly restricted due to concerns about public health and safety. The government carefully monitors products to ensure that they meet both political and safety criteria, preventing goods that could endanger public well-being or disrupt the country’s planned economy from entering the market.

Environmentally Harmful Goods

In addition to protecting public health, North Korea enforces regulations to safeguard the environment. These restrictions are particularly focused on preventing pollution and preserving the country’s natural resources.

• Hazardous Waste and E-Waste: North Korea has strict laws governing the importation of hazardous waste and e-waste (electronic waste). Given the country’s emphasis on maintaining its environment and avoiding contamination, hazardous materials such as industrial waste, toxic chemicals, and electronic waste containing harmful substances like mercury and lead are not allowed to enter the country. The North Korean Ministry of Environmental Protection is responsible for enforcing these restrictions, ensuring that North Korea does not become a destination for the improper disposal of waste. E-waste, such as discarded computers, phones, and televisions, contains substances that can cause environmental pollution if not properly disposed of. North Korea’s government prioritizes the protection of its environment and public health by restricting the importation of materials that could contribute to environmental degradation. Additionally, environmental concerns also align with North Korea’s efforts to remain self-sufficient in critical industries, reducing dependence on external sources for waste disposal.

• Endangered Species and Wildlife Products: North Korea is bound by international conventions such as CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), which restricts the importation of goods derived from endangered species. The country prohibits the import of ivory, animal pelts, rare plants, and other wildlife products that could contribute to illegal wildlife trade. The Ministry of External Economic Affairs oversees trade policies to ensure that no prohibited wildlife products enter North Korea, thereby protecting biodiversity both domestically and internationally. This policy is in line with global conservation efforts, even though the country’s self-isolation limits international cooperation on wildlife protection. The trade in endangered species and related products is seen as harmful both to global conservation efforts and to the political stability of the country.

Products Requiring Import Licenses

Despite the country’s highly controlled economy, certain products can still be imported into North Korea, but only with the proper licenses and permits. These goods are subject to additional scrutiny to ensure that they align with national interests and security concerns.

Goods Subject to Import Licensing

Certain products, especially those with significant implications for security, health, and economic stability, require an import license before they are allowed into the country. These regulations are designed to prevent the entry of goods that could undermine North Korea’s domestic policies, security, or international obligations.

• Military and Dual-Use Technology: Given North Korea’s emphasis on military self-reliance and the development of weapons technologies, the importation of military and dual-use technology is strictly controlled. The importation of items with military applications, including weapons systems, parts, or components, requires an import license issued by the State Department of Military Affairs. Due to the country’s focus on developing nuclear and missile technologies, imports related to military advancements are heavily regulated, and international sanctions limit access to such technologies. Items classified as dual-use, which have both civilian and military applications, are subject to strict licensing and approval by the government. The Ministry of External Economic Affairs oversees the issuance of import licenses for these products to ensure compliance with North Korea’s strategic goals. Goods that could contribute to the development of weapons of mass destruction or enhance the military capabilities of the state are tightly controlled under these regulations.

• Technological Equipment and Computers: The importation of technological equipment, including computers, software, and telecommunications devices, requires a special import license in North Korea. This is primarily due to concerns over information security and the desire to maintain control over the flow of information within the country. North Korea has a history of imposing stringent controls on the importation of foreign technologies, particularly those related to digital communications, internet access, and information networks. The State Security Department and the Ministry of External Economic Affairs are responsible for issuing licenses for technological imports. This includes ensuring that these technologies do not contain backdoors or capabilities that could be used to monitor or disrupt the country’s operations. The government prioritizes domestic development in technology and has initiated programs to develop its own technology infrastructure, minimizing foreign dependence.

Regulated Consumer Goods

Certain consumer goods are also regulated under North Korea’s import licensing system. These goods may be subject to restrictions due to political or economic reasons, as well as security concerns.

• Luxury Goods: The importation of luxury goods, such as high-end automobiles, electronics, and designer products, is heavily restricted. The North Korean government regulates the import of these goods to ensure that they do not symbolize or contribute to excess and inequality, which could undermine the government’s policies of austerity and ideological conformity. The Ministry of External Economic Affairs is responsible for issuing licenses for the import of luxury items, and such imports are typically reserved for high-ranking officials or diplomatic purposes. These restrictions are in line with the government’s goals of reducing class disparities and discouraging the consumption of non-essential foreign goods. Luxury goods that are considered symbols of Western influence or capitalist values are often banned or severely restricted.

• Agricultural Products: The importation of certain agricultural products also requires an import license. While North Korea produces a significant portion of its own food, it still relies on imports for certain goods, especially during times of food shortages or agricultural difficulties. Agricultural imports, such as grains, fertilizers, and seeds, are subject to licensing to ensure that they meet the country’s needs and align with its agricultural policies. The Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of External Economic Affairs regulate the importation of these goods, ensuring that they do not disrupt domestic agricultural production or cause imbalances in the food supply chain. The government also ensures that imported agricultural products meet the country’s standards for health and safety, and that they comply with North Korea’s broader economic goals.

Environmentally Sensitive Goods

North Korea enforces a regulatory framework for imports of environmentally sensitive goods. These goods are subject to import licenses to ensure that they do not negatively impact the environment.

• Chemicals and Hazardous Materials: The importation of chemicals and hazardous materials, including industrial chemicals, pesticides, and fertilizers, requires a special import license. The Ministry of Environmental Protection and the Ministry of External Economic Affairs oversee these imports to ensure compliance with national environmental standards. The government regulates the use of chemicals that may pose a risk to human health or the environment. As a result, importers must obtain a license for chemicals that are classified as hazardous, ensuring that they are used safely and in accordance with North Korea’s environmental laws. The government also monitors and controls the importation of chemicals that could contribute to environmental degradation or harm natural resources.

• Plastic and Packaging Materials: Given the country’s limited resources and environmental concerns, North Korea has instituted regulations to control the import of plastic goods and packaging materials. Import licenses are required for plastic products, particularly non-biodegradable plastics and single-use plastic items, to reduce waste and promote sustainability. The government encourages the use of eco-friendly alternatives and regulates the import of materials to ensure that they comply with the country’s waste management and recycling standards. The Ministry of Environment enforces these regulations, aiming to reduce plastic pollution and promote sustainable practices in the importation of plastic products.

Regulated Electronics and Household Appliances

Certain household goods, particularly electronics and large appliances, are subject to import restrictions in North Korea. These products are regulated to maintain control over the country’s infrastructure and avoid external influence.

• Electronics and Telecommunication Devices: Due to concerns over security and control over information, North Korea regulates the importation of electronics such as smartphones, computers, and telecommunication devices. Import licenses are required to ensure that these devices do not pose risks related to espionage or the unauthorized spread of information. The State Security Department monitors and controls the flow of these products into the country, ensuring that they are not used to bypass government control over the flow of information.