North Korean authorities are reportedly disguising components and materials used for nuclear and missile development as civilian industrial or research-use imports to evade international sanctions.
On February 14, Daily NK, citing an inside source in North Korea, reported that Pyongyang has instructed its overseas trade offices to facilitate the import of precision components and special alloy samples needed to enhance missile guidance, control systems, warheads, and engines.
According to the source, the directive was issued on February 12 to North Korean trading companies with overseas branches, including Myong-an Trading Company and Dongmyong Technology Trading Company. These firms, operating mainly in Russia and Laos, reportedly generate foreign currency for Pyongyang through IT labor exports while also securing funds for nuclear and missile development.
North Korea’s Munitions Industry Department has allegedly devised a strategy to import precision mechanical components and semiconductors under the guise of manufacturing general electronic devices. These materials are then funneled into missile guidance and control system development.
Disguised Imports of Heat-Resistant Alloys and Carbon Fibers
“The key task for the military industry in the first half of this year is to refine missile guidance and control technology,” the source told Daily NK. “The components being imported will play a critical role in enhancing missile accuracy.”
This means that high-performance semiconductors and microcontrollers, falsely declared for civilian purposes, are in fact being used for ballistic missile guidance and control systems.
Additionally, special alloys and heat-resistant carbon fiber chemicals, labeled as research materials, are reportedly being imported for warhead reinforcement and fuel propulsion system enhancement.
The Munitions Industry Department has designated these materials as priority imports for the first half of the year, prompting related institutions to initiate procurement efforts.
By disguising missile-related components and materials as civilian industrial or research-use items, North Korea continues to bypass international sanctions, undermining global non-proliferation efforts.
Pyongyang Claims It Is Engaging in ‘Legal Trade’
Despite these tactics, North Korean authorities insist their actions are lawful.
“The Munitions Industry Department stated in its directive that ‘we are simply conducting legal trade like any other country,’ emphasizing that it is natural for trading companies to support imports,” the source explained.
Since the adoption of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 1718 in October 2006 following North Korea’s first nuclear test, all nuclear and missile-related exports to North Korea have been strictly prohibited. However, Pyongyang has circumvented these restrictions by falsely declaring key components and materials as civilian goods, enabling further advancements in its nuclear and missile programs.
Daily NK reported that the upcoming imports of precision mechanical parts, semiconductors, and special alloys via Russia and Southeast Asia are expected to be directly utilized to enhance North Korea’s nuclear and missile capabilities, raising significant concerns about threats to international security.
BY YOUNGNAM KIM [kim.youngnam@koreadaily.com]
