Australia implements United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea

Australia has taken action to fully implement in Australian law the United Nations Security Council sanctions against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea). These sanctions were imposed by the Security Council as a response to North Korea's irresponsible and highly dangerous actions in conducting a nuclear test on 9 October.

The new Charter of the United Nations (Sanctions - Democratic People's Republic of Korea) Regulations 2006 implement Australia's obligations under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1718, adopted on 14 October 2006, which imposes a targeted trade embargo, financial sanctions and travel sanctions against North Korea. The Regulations took effect on 10 November 2006.

Under the new Regulations, it is an offence to engage in any conduct assisting the supply, sale or transfer of certain military goods, and military and dual-use items related to nuclear, WMD and ballistic missile programmes to North Korea. It is also an offence to provide North Korea with technical training, advice, services or assistance related to specified items or to receive such training from North Korea or its nationals. Further, it is an offence to procure specific military and dual-use items from North Korea. These offences apply to all persons in Australia and to Australian nationals overseas.

The Australian Government is developing a list of luxury goods. Once developed, it will be an offence under the Regulations to supply, sell or transfer these listed luxury goods to North Korea.

The new Regulations freeze the assets and economic resources owned or controlled by persons or entities designated by the Security Council as providing support for North Korea's nuclear, WMD and ballistic missile programmes. Upon designation by the Security Council, it will be an offence to supply funds to such persons or entities. Designated persons are also prohibited under existing Australian law from travelling to, or in, Australia.

I recommend that anyone considering commercial or other dealings with North Korea familiarise themselves with the operation of the sanctions regime, and seek independent legal advice before making any commercial decisions. Relevant information can be found on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website at www.dfat.gov.au. The Charter of the United Nations (Sanctions - Democratic People's Republic of Korea) Regulations 2006 should be read in conjunction with the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956, the Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations 1958 and existing financial sanctions imposed by Australia against North Korea and administered by the Reserve Bank of Australia (see www.rba.gov.au for details).

We will continue to strictly implement the measures mandated by the Security Council until North Korea fully complies with the provisions of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1718.

Media Inquiries: Mr Downer's office 02 6277 7500 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555