CROSS-STANDARD public interest · Wireless / IoT device
China-to-North Korea Wireless / IoT Device Compliance Information — SANCTIONS NOTICE
AI-compiled from official public sources — cross-checked by multiple AI models, not human-verified. Informational only; see disclaimer. INFORMATIONAL ONLY. North Korea (DPRK) is subject to comprehensive UN Security Council sanctions (UNSCR 1718, 2087, 2094, 2270, 2371 and others), US OFAC sanctions, EU sanctions, and other country-specific export controls. Most electronic device exports from China to North Korea are prohibited or severely restricted. This page provides factual information about North Korean domestic regulatory bodies (MIC and OSIM) for compliance awareness purposes only. It is NOT a commercial guide and must not be used to plan or execute exports without explicit legal clearance from qualified sanctions counsel.
Dataset 2026-06-11
Last verified 2026-06-17
6 rows
GAP MATRIX
Compliance Gap Matrix
| Compliance item | Common China baseline | North Korea (MIC) | Gap / action | Source + verification date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Safety — 220 V / 50 Hz (Type C/F) | China uses 220 V / 50 Hz with Type A/I plugs (different from DPRK Type C/F). CCC certification covers electrical safety under GB 4943.1 (aligned with IEC 62368-1) for IT and communications equipment. Plug type difference means Chinese product plug configurations require adaptation for DPRK use.GB 4943.1 (aligned with IEC 62368-1) — IT and communications equipment electrical safety CCC compulsory certification — includes electrical safety evaluation 220 V / 50 Hz — China grid voltage (same voltage, different plug: Type A/I) |
North Korea operates a 220 V / 50 Hz electrical grid with Type C and Type F plug configurations, consistent with the continental European standard. OSIM administers product safety standards for electrical equipment. Wireless devices with mains power supplies must be designed and tested for 220 V / 50 Hz operation. IEC 62368-1 (audio/video and IT equipment safety) serves as the international reference standard; DPRK national KS standards align with IEC but must be confirmed via OSIM. Power supply reliability in the DPRK is poor in many areas; equipment must tolerate voltage fluctuation. Note: access to OSIM electrical safety certification is practically unavailable to foreign exporters under current sanctions.OSIM (국가품질감독위원회) — DPRK electrical product safety standards (KS) IEC 62368-1 — Audio/video, IT and communications technology equipment safety (international reference) 220 V / 50 Hz grid — Type C/F plug standard DPRK Law on Standardisation (표준화법) |
Voltage (220 V / 50 Hz) is identical between China and DPRK, but plug type differs (China Type A/I vs. DPRK Type C/F). Chinese CCC electrical safety certification is not recognised by OSIM. DPRK KS standards apply. Power reliability issues in the DPRK may require additional ruggedisation for voltage tolerance. OSIM certification access is practically unavailable under sanctions.[INFORMATIONAL] North Korea uses 220 V / 50 Hz (Type C/F plugs). Chinese CCC electrical safety certification is not recognised by OSIM. Plug adaptation from Chinese Type A/I to Type C/F is required. OSIM KS-based certification must be obtained for any permitted device, but access to OSIM procedures is practically unavailable under current sanctions. This row is provided for compliance awareness only. | IEC — World Plugs: Type C, Type F2026-06-17 · reference |
| EMC Standards — OSIM Product Standards | China requires EMC conformity under the CCC compulsory certification system and GB EMC standards (aligned with CISPR). MIIT type approval includes EMC testing. GB/T 9254 (CISPR 32) covers emissions for multimedia equipment; GB/T 17618 (CISPR 35) covers immunity.GB/T 9254 (aligned with CISPR 32) — EMC emissions for multimedia equipment GB/T 17618 (aligned with CISPR 35) — EMC immunity for multimedia equipment CCC compulsory certification — includes EMC evaluation MIIT radio type approval — includes EMC and spurious emissions |
The Office of Standards, Inspection and Metrology (OSIM — 국가품질감독위원회) is the DPRK body responsible for product safety and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards. OSIM administers national product standards (KS — Korean Standards) which are largely derived from or aligned with international IEC/CISPR standards. For wireless devices permitted under sanctions exemptions, OSIM conformity documentation would be required alongside MIC type approval. OSIM inspection and testing must be conducted through authorised channels; no independent third-party certification body operates openly in the DPRK.OSIM (국가품질감독위원회) — DPRK national product standards administration KS (Korean Standards — 조선표준) — DPRK national standards aligned with IEC/CISPR DPRK Law on Standardisation (표준화법) CISPR 32, CISPR 35 — EMC standards for multimedia equipment (international reference) |
Chinese CCC EMC test reports and GB standard conformity are not recognised by OSIM. DPRK applies its own KS national standards. Practical access to OSIM testing and certification is severely limited by the sanctions environment and the closed nature of DPRK institutions.[INFORMATIONAL] Chinese EMC certifications (CCC, GB standards) are not recognised by OSIM. DPRK national standards (KS) apply for any permitted device. Access to OSIM conformity procedures is practically unavailable to most exporters given the comprehensive sanctions environment. Exporters must obtain explicit sanctions authorisation before considering any DPRK regulatory engagement. This row is provided for compliance awareness only. | ISO — DPRK member body profile (OSIM)2026-06-17 · reference |
| Kwangmyong Intranet Compatibility — Network Access | China requires MIIT Network Access Licence (NAL) for telecom terminal equipment connecting to public networks. Equipment must comply with relevant YD/T telecom standards. China operates its own regulated internet environment (Great Firewall) but provides public commercial internet access.MIIT Network Access Licence (NAL) — telecom terminal equipment YD/T series — China telecom terminal equipment standards MIIT Order No. 52 (2019) — network equipment access management |
North Korea operates Kwangmyong (광명), a domestic intranet separate from the global internet, administered under MIC oversight. Wireless devices intended for use on any authorised DPRK network must be compatible with Kwangmyong protocols and approved by MIC for network access. Commercial internet access is not available to the general public; very limited external connectivity exists for approved government and institutional users. Any device connecting to DPRK network infrastructure would require MIC authorisation specific to the network environment.MIC (정보산업성) — Kwangmyong intranet administration DPRK Telecommunications Law (전기통신법) — network access provisions UN UNSCR 2270 (2016), UNSCR 2371 (2017) — dual-use electronics restrictions |
Chinese MIIT NAL has no recognition in the DPRK. Kwangmyong operates on a closed architecture with no public documentation of technical standards. Network access authorisation is entirely within MIC discretion and is practically inaccessible to foreign exporters under the current sanctions environment.[INFORMATIONAL] Kwangmyong network access requires MIC-specific authorisation with no equivalence to Chinese MIIT NAL. The closed architecture of DPRK network infrastructure and the comprehensive sanctions environment make network-connected device exports practically impossible for most exporters. This row is provided for compliance awareness only; no commercial guidance is implied. | UN Security Council — 1718 Sanctions Committee2026-06-17 · reference |
| Importer / Authorised Agent Requirement | China requires a licensed importer (registered entity with China customs import licence) for regulated products. For wireless devices, the importer must hold applicable MIIT and CCC authorisations. China has a functioning open import market with multiple licensed importers available.China Customs Law — import licence requirements MOFCOM import registration for regulated goods CIQ (Customs inspection and quarantine) — product-specific import requirements |
All imports into the DPRK must be conducted through state-authorised trading companies and official import channels. There is no open private import market. Foreign companies cannot directly import goods; all transactions must route through state-controlled entities (Korean trade corporations — 무역회사). Additionally, all DPRK trade is subject to monitoring by the UN Panel of Experts on DPRK sanctions. Authorised humanitarian organisations operating under UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) oversight may have limited separate channels for permitted goods. Any purported importer or agent must themselves be verified as sanctions-compliant and not subject to designation.DPRK Foreign Trade Law (대외경제법) — state trading company system UN UNSCR 1718 (2006), UNSCR 2270 (2016) — trade restrictions UN Panel of Experts on DPRK — trade monitoring mechanism OCHA DPRK — humanitarian exemption procedures US OFAC DPRK sanctions — SDN list, secondary sanctions risk |
China's open licensed-importer system has no equivalence in the DPRK. All DPRK imports route through state trading companies under government control. The importer itself must be sanctions-screened. Secondary sanctions risk means that Chinese companies engaging DPRK trading companies may themselves face US OFAC or EU sanctions exposure.[INFORMATIONAL] All DPRK imports must route through state-controlled trading companies, not open-market importers. The importer entity must itself be sanctions-screened to avoid secondary sanctions exposure. Chinese companies engaging DPRK trading companies face potential US OFAC and EU sanctions liability. No Chinese-style licensed-importer equivalence exists. This row is provided for compliance awareness only; it does not constitute advice on how to conduct DPRK trade. | UN Security Council — 1718 Sanctions Committee2026-06-17 · reference |
| Radio / Telecom Type Approval (MIC) | China requires SRRC (State Radio Regulation of China) type approval under MIIT administration for radio frequency equipment, plus MIIT Network Access Licence (NAL) for telecom terminal equipment. CCC certification under GB radio standards applies for consumer wireless products.MIIT Order No. 14 (2016) — Radio Frequency Equipment Type Approval SRRC type approval procedures MIIT Network Access Licence (NAL) regulations GB 15629.11 (Wi-Fi), GB/T 15629.15 (Bluetooth), related GB radio standards CCC certification under China Compulsory Certification catalogue |
For any wireless device that may be permitted under applicable sanctions exemptions, the Ministry of Information Industry (MIC — 정보산업성) is the DPRK authority responsible for telecom and radio equipment type approval. MIC administers spectrum allocation and radio device licensing for the Kwangmyong intranet and limited authorised commercial networks. Type approval documentation and test reports must be submitted to MIC prior to import. No public online submission portal exists; all engagement is through official government-to-government or authorised intermediary channels only.DPRK Telecommunications Law (전기통신법) — provisions on radio equipment licensing MIC (Ministry of Information Industry — 정보산업성) administrative regulations UN UNSCR 1718 (2006), UNSCR 2270 (2016), UNSCR 2371 (2017) — sanctions framework |
Chinese SRRC, MIIT NAL, and CCC approvals have no recognition in the DPRK. MIC type approval is a completely separate process requiring engagement through official channels. Critically, most wireless device exports are prohibited under UN sanctions before domestic DPRK regulatory requirements become relevant.[INFORMATIONAL] Chinese SRRC/CCC/NAL approvals are not recognised in North Korea. MIC type approval would be required for any wireless device lawfully permitted under sanctions exemptions. However, comprehensive UN Security Council sanctions (UNSCR 1718 and subsequent resolutions) and national sanctions programmes (US OFAC, EU, UK) prohibit or severely restrict most wireless device exports to the DPRK. Exporters must obtain explicit written legal clearance from qualified sanctions counsel before initiating any transaction. This row is provided for compliance awareness only. | UN Security Council — 1718 Sanctions Committee2026-06-17 · reference |
| Sanctions Compliance — UN / OFAC / EU Export Controls | China is a UN member state and is legally obligated to implement UN Security Council DPRK sanctions. China's Export Control Law (2020) and dual-use item export control regulations apply. In practice, Chinese authorities have enforcement discretion; however, Chinese companies engaging in sanctions-prohibited DPRK transactions face secondary sanctions risk from US OFAC and potential penalties under China's own export control law.China Export Control Law (出口管制法, 2020) China Regulations on Export Control of Dual-Use Items and Technologies MOFCOM export licence system for controlled goods China Customs Law — declaration and enforcement |
North Korea (DPRK) is subject to the most comprehensive multilateral sanctions regime applicable to any country in the world. UN Security Council Resolutions 1718 (2006), 2087 (2013), 2094 (2013), 2270 (2016), 2321 (2016), 2371 (2017), 2375 (2017), and 2397 (2017) impose binding obligations on all UN member states. Key restrictions relevant to wireless devices include: (1) prohibition on export of luxury goods; (2) prohibition on export of dual-use goods and technologies; (3) prohibition on transactions with designated individuals and entities; (4) cargo inspection requirements. US OFAC maintains a comprehensive DPRK sanctions programme (31 CFR Part 510) that prohibits virtually all transactions with the DPRK by US persons and creates secondary sanctions risk for non-US persons. EU Council Regulation 329/2007 (as amended) imposes parallel restrictions. The UK, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and other countries maintain national DPRK sanctions regimes. Wireless and electronic devices are generally considered dual-use items subject to restriction. Exporters must conduct a full sanctions and export control analysis — including classification of the goods, end-user screening, and transaction screening — before any DPRK transaction.UN UNSCR 1718 (2006) — arms embargo, luxury goods prohibition UN UNSCR 2087 (2013) — tightened cargo inspection, luxury goods UN UNSCR 2094 (2013) — bulk cash, financial restrictions UN UNSCR 2270 (2016) — coal, iron, minerals; dual-use goods restrictions UN UNSCR 2321 (2016) — coal cap, financial sector UN UNSCR 2371 (2017) — seafood, lead, iron ore ban UN UNSCR 2375 (2017) — oil cap, textile ban UN UNSCR 2397 (2017) — oil cap tightened, food/agricultural equipment ban US 31 CFR Part 510 — OFAC DPRK Sanctions Regulations EU Council Regulation (EC) No 329/2007 as amended — DPRK restrictive measures UK The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 China Export Control Law (2020) — dual-use export controls |
The gap here is not a regulatory documentation gap but a fundamental legal barrier. Most wireless device exports from China to North Korea are prohibited under UN sanctions and national sanctions programmes. Chinese exporters face secondary sanctions risk from US OFAC even if Chinese domestic enforcement is inconsistent. The burden of proof for any permitted export lies entirely with the exporter to demonstrate authorisation under each applicable sanctions regime.[INFORMATIONAL] WARNING — SANCTIONS PROHIBITION. Exports of wireless and electronic devices from China to North Korea are prohibited or severely restricted under UN Security Council Resolutions 1718, 2270, 2371, and subsequent measures, as well as US OFAC (31 CFR Part 510), EU Regulation 329/2007, and other national sanctions regimes. Chinese exporters are subject to secondary sanctions risk from US OFAC. Humanitarian exemptions exist but require advance authorisation from the UN 1718 Committee. Any exporter considering DPRK transactions must: (1) conduct a full legal sanctions analysis; (2) obtain written clearance from qualified sanctions counsel in all relevant jurisdictions; (3) submit for UN 1718 Committee exemption if applicable; (4) ensure end-user and transaction screening against all relevant SDN and designated-entity lists. THIS ROW IS FOR COMPLIANCE AWARENESS ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LEGAL ADVICE OR AUTHORISATION. | UN Security Council — 1718 Sanctions Committee: Implementation Assistance Notice2026-06-17 · reference |
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SOURCES
Official-source register.
- IEC — World Plugs: Type C, Type F · accessed 2026-06-17 · reference · used in 1 rows
- ISO — DPRK member body profile (OSIM) · accessed 2026-06-17 · reference · used in 1 rows
- UN Security Council — 1718 Sanctions Committee · accessed 2026-06-17 · reference · used in 3 rows
- UN Security Council — 1718 Sanctions Committee: Implementation Assistance Notice · accessed 2026-06-17 · reference · used in 1 rows