Japan Extends North Korea Import/Export Ban for Two Years
Summary
METI extended the comprehensive ban on all Japanese exports to North Korea and imports from North Korea for two years, effective April 14, 2025 through April 13, 2027. Exporters must obtain approval from the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry under Article 48(3) of the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act, and importers must obtain approval under Article 52. Intermediate trade transactions and payment of import bills for unapproved North Korean goods are also prohibited.
What changed
METI extended the existing comprehensive trade ban on all exports to and imports from North Korea by two years, maintaining the approval requirement from the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry. The extension also continues the prohibition on intermediate trade (buying/selling, loaning/borrowing, or giving goods between North Korea and third countries) and bans payment of import bills for goods imported without approval. The measures are effective April 14, 2025 through April 13, 2027.
Japanese exporters and importers must obtain approval from the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry for any goods destined for or originating in North Korea. Companies engaged in intermediate trade involving North Korea must cease such activities. Financial institutions processing payments related to unapproved North Korean imports risk violation of the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act. All affected parties should review supply chains and trade finance arrangements to ensure compliance before the effective date.
What to do next
- Determine whether any current import/export activities involve North Korea-origin or destined goods
- Apply to the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry for approval if any North Korea trade is deemed necessary
- Cease all intermediate trade transactions involving North Korea and third countries
Penalties
Non-compliance may result in criminal penalties under the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act; transactions without required approval are prohibited and subject to enforcement.
Archived snapshot
Apr 10, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
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5. Extension of Ban on Imports from and Exports to North Korea, Pursuant to the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act
Extension of Ban on Imports from and Exports to North Korea, Pursuant to the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act
Japanese April 8, 2025
External Economic Policy The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has decided to extend the ban on all exports destined for North Korea and all imports originating in or shipped from North Korea by two years, in line with the “Measures against North Korea Pursuant to the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act” (decided by the Cabinet on April 8, 2025).
1. Outline of the measures
- The ban on all exports of goods destined for North Korea will be extended by imposing the requirement that exporters obtain export approval from the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (related article: Article 48, Paragraph 3 of the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act; hereinafter referred to as the “Act”).
- The ban on all imports of goods originating in or shipped from North Korea will be extended by imposing the requirement that importers obtain import approval from the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (related article: Article 52 of the Act).
- To ensure the enforcement of these restrictions, the following transactions shall be banned: ⅰ. Transactions involving buying/selling, loaning/borrowing, or giving of goods that involve the movement of the goods between North Korea and third countries (intermediate trade) (related article: Article 25, Paragraph 6 of the Act); and ⅱ. Payments of import bills for goods originating in or shipped from North Korea which are imported without import approval (related article: Article 16, Paragraph 5 of the Act).
- Please note that the scope of goods exempt from the above restrictions is limited.
2. Effective period
These restrictions will enter into effect from April 14, 2025, to April 13, 2027.
Division in Charge
Trade Control Policy Division, Trade Control Department, Trade and Economic Security Bureau Related website
- Trade Control
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