Democratic People's Republic of Korea sanctions: guidance 23.4.2026 | Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs Statutory guidance for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea sanctions regime, plus a summary of its purposes, scope and prohibitions. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, and certain other regulations, are in force to implement certain UN obligations and to meet the UK’s policy objectives. This summary gives a quick overview of the sanctions in place under the regime. It is not comprehensive and is not a replacement for the statutory guidance or the regulations themselves. Summary Sanctions are broad in scope and include measures to prevent the development and proliferation of the DPRK’s nuclear programme and ballistic missiles and abuse of human rights. Designated persons and specified ships The UK Sanctions List tells you who is designated under the regime and which sanctions have been applied to them. A designated person can be an individual, a business or an organisation. The statutory guidance lists in detail the sanctions that can apply in respect of designated persons, including: an asset freeze on their funds and other assets making available funds or economic resources to them or for their benefit director disqualification immigration sanction (travel ban) Under this regime, ships that are specified can also be subject to sanctions. Wider financial sanctions As well as the sanctions that apply in respect of designated persons, there are wide-ranging sectoral sanctions that apply to DPRK’s credit and financial institutions. These restrict certain investment and financial services activities and access to markets. Sanctioned goods and services You must not export or otherwise supply or transfer to or for use in DPRK, or to a person connected with DPRK certain goods in these categories (this is not an exhaustive list): military, security and para-military goods, software and technology and arms, ammunition and related material dual-use goods and technology including, for example: night-vision goggles GPS systems many other goods including: goods or technology for or to support the armed forces of DPRK helicopters and vessels industrial machinery certain metals, minerals and ores luxury goods aviation fuel, crude oil, and refined petroleum products Related financial services, brokering services and technical assistance may also be subject to sanctions. You must not supply or acquire certain items including gold, precious metals or diamonds to or from a DPRK ‘government person’. You must not provide or procure technical assistance (e.g. testing and maintenance) relating to restricted goods and technology to or from persons connected with DPRK or for use in DPRK. You must not provide trade services including: mining, manufacturing and computer services certain services relating to DPRK ships and aircraft insurance or reinsurance of DPRK ships Transit control and import restrictions are also in force. Transport sanctions Transport sanctions make it an offence to allow DPRK aircraft or ships into UK airspace or ports. There is also a ban on the buying or acquiring of DPRK aircraft or ships. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/democratic-peoples-republic-of-korea-sanctions-guidance