Blocking Property of the Government of North Korea and Workers' Party

Mar 18, 2016

Summary

Blocks property and stops trade with North Korea to punish the country for its nuclear weapons and missile tests.

What problem does this solve?

North Korea's continued development of nuclear weapons and missiles threatens the United States and its allies. This order blocks North Korea's money and property in the U.S. and stops trade to cut off resources for these programs.

What does this order do?

Blocks North Korean government property

Freezes all property and money in the U.S. that belongs to the Government of North Korea or the Workers' Party of Korea.

Prohibits exports and investments

Bans U.S. persons from exporting any goods, services, or technology to North Korea and from making new investments in the country.

Sanctions key North Korean industries

Allows the Secretary of the Treasury to block the property of any person or company operating in major parts of North Korea's economy, such as transportation, mining, and energy.

Suspends entry into the United States

Bans individuals from entering the U.S. if they are found to be involved in activities that are subject to these sanctions.

Targets human rights abuses and censorship

Blocks the property of anyone responsible for human rights abuses, censorship, or the exportation of workers from North Korea.

Addresses cybersecurity threats

Blocks the property of anyone who has engaged in cyberattacks against targets outside of North Korea on behalf of the government.

Who does this affect?

Government of North Korea and the Workers' Party of Korea
U.S. individuals and companies
Foreign individuals and companies doing business with North Korea

What is the real world impact?

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Pressures North Korea to stop its weapons programs

Imposes strict economic sanctions to make it harder for the North Korean government to fund its nuclear and ballistic missile activities, hoping to force them to stop.

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Aligns with international efforts

Enforces a United Nations Security Council Resolution, showing that the U.S. is working with other countries to address the threat posed by North Korea.

When does this start?

This order became effective at 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on March 16, 2016.