The restrictive measures include a ban on the import of coal, iron and iron ore from North Korea, a blanket restriction on opening new branches, subsidiaries or representative offices of North Korean banks, and an obligation for Member States to expel North Korean diplomats engaged in certain activities. Council Decision 2016/476 amends Decision 2013/183/CFSP.

On a related note, China also imposed new sanctions similar to those of the EU, agreed by the UN Security Council, against North Korea. In addition to import bans on coal and iron, gold and other rare minerals are also restricted. The measures also ban exports to North Korea of aviation fuel and any equipment with the potential to be used to support nuclear or ballistic missile programmes. Exceptions will apply to imports of coal where the revenue is intended solely for the “people’s wellbeing”, and also in limited circumstances where third-country goods pass through North Korea in transit.