OFAC North Korea Sanctions

OFACcomprehensiveasset freezetrade restrictionsfinancial restrictionssectoralinvestment banarms embargo

OFAC North Korea Sanctions is a sanctions program maintained by Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) targeting North Korea. It imposes comprehensive, asset freeze, trade restrictions, financial restrictions, sectoral and investment ban.

Last updated 3 Aug 2026

Overview

The North Korea sanctions program imposes comprehensive sanctions on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), including blocking of all property and interests of the Government of North Korea and the Workers' Party of Korea, prohibitions on trade, new investment, financial transactions, and various sectoral measures. The program implements multiple executive orders, statutes, and UN Security Council Resolutions in response to North Korea's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs.

Targeted country

North Korea

Legal bases

Executive Order 13810 - Imposing Additional Sanctions with Respect to North Korea (September 21, 2017)
Executive Order 13722 - Blocking Property of the Government of North Korea and the Workers' Party of Korea, and Prohibiting Certain Transactions With Respect to North Korea (March 16, 2016)
Executive Order 13687 - Imposing Additional Sanctions with Respect to North Korea (January 02, 2015)
Executive Order 13570 - Prohibiting Certain Transactions With Respect To North Korea (April 18, 2011)
Executive Order 13551 - Blocking Property of Certain Persons With Respect to North Korea (August 30, 2010)
Executive Order 13466 - Continuing Certain Restrictions With Respect to North Korea and North Korean Nationals (June 26, 2008)
Proclamation 8271 - Termination of the Exercise of Authorities Under the Trading With the Enemy Act With Respect to North Korea (June 27, 2008)
Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 (AEDPA), 8 U.S.C. § 1189, 18 U.S.C. § 2339B
Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), Public Law 115-44
International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), 50 U.S.C. §§ 1701-1706
National Emergencies Act (NEA), 50 U.S.C. §§ 1601-1651
North Korean Sanctions and Policy Enhancement Act of 2016, Public Law 114-122, 130 Stat. 93
Sanctions With Respect to North Korea (Otto Warmbier Act)
Section 5 of the United Nations Participation Act of 1945 (UNPA), 22 U.S.C. § 287c
31 CFR Part 510 - North Korea Sanctions Regulations
UNSCR 2397 (December 22, 2017)
UNSCR 2375 (September 11, 2017)
UNSCR 2371 (August 5, 2017)
UNSCR 2356 (June 2, 2017)
UNSCR 2321 (November 30, 2016)
UNSCR 2270 (March 2, 2016)
UNSCR 2094 (March 7, 2013)
UNSCR 2087 (January 22, 2013)
UNSCR 1874 (June 12, 2009)
UNSCR 1718 (October 14, 2006)

Official resources

Proclamation 8271 - Termination of the Exercise of Authorities Under the Trading With the Enemy Act With Respect to North Korea

91 FR 35400-26 - Publication of the List of Medical Devices Requiring Specific Authorization for the North Korea Sanctions Regulations

87 FR 78470-22 - Publication of United States Government and International Organizations Official Business Sanctions Regulations Amendment and General Licenses

North Korea Sanctions FAQ Topic Page

89 FR 12233-24 - Amended North Korea Sanctions Regulations

85 FR 20158-20 - Amended North Korea Sanctions Regulations

83 FR 9182-18 - Amended North Korea Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR Part 510

76 FR 35739-11 - Removing parts 500 and 505 from 31 CFR chapter V pursuant to Proclamation 8271 of June 26, 2008

72 FR 4960-07 - Foreign Assets Control Regulations - Amendment to prohibit U.S. persons from registering vessels in North Korea

Executive Order 13810 - Imposing Additional Sanctions with Respect to North Korea

Executive Order 13687 - Imposing Additional Sanctions with Respect to North Korea

Executive Order 13551 - Blocking Property of Certain Persons With Respect to North Korea

List of Medical Devices Requiring Specific Authorization for the North Korea Sanctions Regulations

Overview of Sanctions - North Korea Sanctions Brochure

84 FR 30868-19 - Amended North Korea Sanctions Regulations

76 FR 35740-11 - Amending the North Korea Sanctions Regulations to implement Executive Order 13570

75 FR 67912-10 - North Korea Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 510

71 FR 17345-06 - Foreign Assets Control Regulations - Amendment to limit the authorization of property transactions involving North Korea

Executive Order 13722 - Blocking Property of the Government of North Korea and the Workers' Party of Korea, and Prohibiting Certain Transactions With Respect to North Korea

Executive Order 13570 - Prohibiting Certain Transactions With Respect To North Korea

Executive Order 13466 - Continuing Certain Restrictions With Respect to North Korea and North Korean Nationals

Fact Sheet: Guidance on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea Information Technology Workers

Guidance on the Provision of Certain Services Relating to the Requirements of U.S. Sanctions Laws

Determination Pursuant to the Executive Order of March 16, 2016

Advisory: Guidance on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea Information Technology Workers

North Korea Ballistic Missile Procurement Advisory

Guidance to Address Illicit Shipping and Sanctions Evasion Practices

Guidance on the North Korean Cyber Threat

Updated Guidance on Addressing North Korea's Illicit Shipping Practices

Risks for Businesses with Supply Chain Links to North Korea

Sanctions Risks Related to North Korea's Shipping Practices

31 CFR Part 510 - North Korea Sanctions Regulations

Licenses for Legal Fees and Costs - Guidance on the Release of Limited Amounts of Blocked Funds for Payment of Legal Fees and Costs

Entities Owned By Blocked Persons - Guidance On Entities Owned By Persons Whose Property And Interests In Property Are Blocked

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