United Nations Arms Embargoes - North Korea

United Nations arms embargoes

Arms imports and exports by North Korea

On 14 October 2006 Security Council Resolution 1718 (PDF) established a partial embargo on arms exports to and imports from North Korea. The resolution inter alia prohibits states to directly or indirectly supply, or help to supply, North Korea with major conventional weapons as defined by the UN Register of Conventional Weapons - battle tanks, armoured combat vehicles, large calibre artillery, combat aircraft, attack helicopters, warships, and missiles and missile launchers - as well as ballistic missiles. More information on the UN Register and its coverage can be found here.

The resolution also prohibits the supply of related spare parts along with 'technical training, advice, services or assistance related to the provision, manufacture, maintenance or use of' the listed items. In addition, the resolution prohibits states to procure major conventional weapons and ballistic missiles or materiels and technology related to such weapons from North Korea.

Unlike most UNSC arms embargoes, SALW (Small Arms and Light Weapons) and other equipment delivered specifically for military use is not covered by resolution 1718. However, paragraph 12d leaves room to redefine the list of embargoed goods.

The SIPRI Arms Transfers Project maintains a database covering all transfers of major conventional weapons using a definition that is generally broader than that used by the UN Register. To view tables of imports to and exports from North Korea of SIPRI-defined major conventional weapons between 1995-2006 click here. These tables provide a picture of the countries that have supplied North Korea with major weapons and those that have received weapons from North Korea during the last decade, as well as detailing what type of weapons and what quantities have been delivered.



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