TOKYO (Sputnik) — According to the Kyodo news agency, the extended sanctions will in effect ban the import of precious metals to Japan from North Korea. Previously, this measure had applied only to the export of precious metals to North Korea from Japan. In addition, 12 organizations and 16 people have been included in the country's blacklist, with their financial assets in Japan to be frozen.
In February, the Japanese government announced tougher sanctions against North Korea, including a ban on the admission of foreign vessels to Japanese ports if they have visited North Korea, a ban on money transfers over 100,000 yen (approximately $880). In addition, Japan will not allow North Korean experts in the field of nuclear and missile technologies into the country.
Since the beginning of 2016, North Korea has conducted a nuclear test, its fourth to date, and launched a long-range rocket, in defiance of UNSC resolutions.