Seoul to enforce new restrictions on goods going into N. Korea

By Tony Chang
SEOUL, July 9 (Yonhap) -- Seoul will stiffen control of South Korean goods going
into North Korea, mostly banning luxury items such as wine and fur, the
Unification Ministry said Thursday.
The restrictions, to take effect as of Friday, are in accordance with U.N.
Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 1874 adopted after North Korea's second
nuclear test on May 25. The resolution prohibits weapons trade with Pyongyang
and calls on member states to tighten the sanctions imposed on Pyongyang after
its first nuclear test in October 2006. The earlier UNSC resolution bars exports
of luxury goods to the North.
The ministry said it will require prior authorization for South Koreans carrying
in items from 13 categories including liquor, cosmetics, jewelry, fur products
and automobiles.
The government will allow exceptions for South Korean government and business
officials who carry in the listed items during travel between the two Koreas on
official duty or for personal use during their stay in the North, ministry
officials said.
"The government's approval will depend upon whether it believes the goods will be
used by South Koreans or given to North Koreans," an official said.
odissy@yna.co.kr
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