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 12 Jun 2026

Overview

Comprehensive U.S. sanctions program targeting the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), including blocking of Government of North Korea and Workers' Party of Korea property, prohibitions on new investment, imports/exports, financial services, and sectoral restrictions implemented through multiple executive orders, statutes, and UN Security Council resolutions.

Targeted country

North Korea

Legal bases

Executive Order 13810 (September 21, 2017)
Executive Order 13722 (March 16, 2016)
Executive Order 13687 (January 2, 2015)
Executive Order 13570 (April 18, 2011)
Executive Order 13551 (August 30, 2010)
Executive Order 13466 (June 26, 2008)
Proclamation 8271 (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
Otto Warmbier Act (Sanctions With Respect to North Korea)
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

List of Medical Devices Requiring Specific Authorization for the North Korea Sanctions Regulations (June 11, 2026)

Fact Sheet: Guidance on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea Information Technology Workers (May 16, 2022)

Advisory: Guidance on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea Information Technology Workers (May 16, 2022)

North Korea Ballistic Missile Procurement Advisory (September 01, 2020)

Guidance to Address Illicit Shipping and Sanctions Evasion Practices (May 14, 2020)

Guidance on the North Korean Cyber Threat (April 15, 2020)

Updated Guidance on Addressing North Korea's Illicit Shipping Practices (March 21, 2019)

Risks for Businesses with Supply Chain Links to North Korea (July 23, 2018)

Sanctions Risks Related to North Korea's Shipping Practices (February 23, 2018)

Examples of deceptive North Korean shipping practices (February 23, 2018)

31 CFR Part 510 - North Korea Sanctions Regulations

Executive Order 13810 - Imposing Additional Sanctions with Respect to 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 13687 - Imposing Additional Sanctions with Respect to North Korea

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

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

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

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

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

89 FR 12233 - Amended North Korea Sanctions Regulations

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

85 FR 20158 - Amended North Korea Sanctions Regulations

84 FR 30868 - Amended North Korea Sanctions Regulations

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

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

76 FR 35739 - Removing parts 500 and 505 from 31 CFR chapter V pursuant to Proclamation 8271

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

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

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

UNSCR 2397 - DPRK Ballistic Missile Launch (December 22, 2017)

UNSCR 2375 - DPRK Nuclear Test (September 11, 2017)

UNSCR 2371 - DPRK Ballistic Missile Tests (August 5, 2017)

UNSCR 2356 - DPRK Ballistic Missile Activities (June 2, 2017)

UNSCR 2321 - DPRK Nuclear Test (November 30, 2016)

UNSCR 2270 - DPRK Nuclear Test (March 2, 2016)

UNSCR 2094 - DPRK Nuclear Test (March 7, 2013)

UNSCR 2087 - DPRK Launch (January 22, 2013)

UNSCR 1874 - DPRK Nuclear Test (June 12, 2009)

UNSCR 1718 - DPRK Nuclear Test (October 14, 2006)

Determination Pursuant to the Executive Order of March 16, 2016

North Korea Sanctions FAQ Topic Page

Guidance on the Provision of Certain Services Relating to the Requirements of U.S. Sanctions Laws (January 12, 2017)

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

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

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