CHAPTER 99 - NORTH KOREA SANCTIONS AND POLICY ENHANCEMENT

Title 22 > CHAPTER 99

Sections (39)

§ 9201 Findings; purposes

(a) Findings Congress finds the following: The Government of North Korea— has repeatedly violated its commitments to the complete, verifiable, and irreversible dismantlement of its nuclear weapons programs; and has willfully violated multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions calling for North Korea to cease development, testing, and production of weapons of mass destruction. Based on its past actions, including the transfer of sensitive nuclear and missile technology to state sponsors of terrorism, North Korea poses a grave risk for the proliferation of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction. The Government of North Korea has been implicated repeatedly in money laundering and other illicit activities, including— prohibited arms sales; narcotics trafficking; the counterfeiting of United States currency; significant activities undermining cybersecurity; and the counterfeiting of intellectual property of United States persons. North Korea has— unilaterally withdrawn from the Agreement Concerning a Military Armistice in Korea, signed at Panmunjom July 27, 1953 (commonly referred to as the “Korean War Armistice Agreement”); and committed provocations against South Korea— by sinking the warship Cheonan and killing 46 of her crew on March 26, 2010 ; by shelling Yeonpyeong Island and killing 4 South Korean civilians on November 23, 2010 ; by its involvement in the “DarkSeoul” cyberattacks against the financial and communications interests of South Korea on March 20, 2013 ; and by planting land mines near a guard post in the South Korean portion of the demilitarized zone that maimed 2 South Korean soldiers on August 4, 2015 . North Korea maintains a system of brutal political prison camps that contain as many as 200,000 men, women, and children, who are— kept in atrocious living conditions with insufficient food, clothing, and medical care; and under constant fear of torture or arbitrary execution. North Korea has prioritized weapons programs and the procurement of luxury goods— in defiance of United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1695 (2006), 1718 (2006), 1874 (2009), 2087 (2013), and 2094 (2013); and in gross disregard of the needs of the people of North Korea. Persons, including financial institutions, who engage in transactions with, or provide financial services to, the Government of North Korea and its financial institutions without establishing sufficient financial safeguards against North Korea’s use of such transactions to promote proliferation, weapons trafficking, human rights violations, illicit activity, and the purchase of luxury goods— aid and abet North Korea’s misuse of the international financial system; and violate the intent of the United Nations Security Council resolutions referred to in paragraph (6)(A). The Government of North Korea has provided technical support and conducted destructive and coercive cyberattacks, including against Sony Pictures Entertainment and other United States persons. The conduct of the Government of North Korea poses an imminent threat to— the security of the United States and its allies; the global economy; the safety of members of the United States Armed Forces; the integrity of the global financial system; the integrity of global nonproliferation programs; and the people of North Korea. The Government of North Korea has sponsored acts of international terrorism, including— attempts to assassinate defectors and human rights activists; and the shipment of weapons to terrorists and state sponsors of terrorism.

(b) Purposes The purposes of this chapter are— to use nonmilitary means to address the crisis described in subsection (a); to provide diplomatic leverage to negotiate necessary changes in the conduct of the Government of North Korea; to ease the suffering of the people of North Korea; and to reaffirm the purposes set forth in section 7802 of this title .

§ 9202 Definitions

In this chapter: The term “applicable Executive order” means— Executive Order 13382 ( 50 U.S.C. 1701 note; relating to blocking property of weapons of mass destruction proliferators and their supporters), Executive Order 13466 ( 50 U.S.C. 1701 note; relating to continuing certain restrictions with respect to North Korea and North Korean nationals), Executive Order 13551 ( 50 U.S.C. 1701 note; relating to blocking property of certain persons with respect to North Korea), Executive Order 13570 ( 50 U.S.C. 1701 note; relating to prohibiting certain transactions with respect to North Korea), Executive Order 13619 ( 50 U.S.C. 1701 note; relating to blocking property of persons threatening the peace, security, or stability of Burma), Executive Order 13687 ( 50 U.S.C. 1701 note; relating to imposing additional sanctions with respect to North Korea), Executive Order No. 13694 ( 50 U.S.C. 1701 note; relating to blocking the property of certain persons engaging in significant malicious cyber-enabled activities), or Executive Order No. 13722 ( 50 U.S.C. 1701 note; relating to blocking the property of the Government of North Korea and the Workers’ Party of Korea, and Prohibiting Certain Transactions With Respect to North Korea), to the extent that such Executive order— authorizes the imposition of sanctions on persons for conduct with respect to North Korea; prohibits transactions or activities involving the Government of North Korea; or otherwise imposes sanctions with respect to North Korea; and any Executive order adopted on or after February 18, 2016 , to the extent that such Executive order— authorizes the imposition of sanctions on persons for conduct with respect to North Korea; prohibits transactions or activities involving the Government of North Korea; or otherwise imposes sanctions with respect to North Korea. The term “applicable United Nations Security Council resolution” means— United Nations Security Council Resolution 1695 (2006), 1718 (2006), 1874 (2009), 2087 (2013), 2094 (2013), 2270 (2016), or 2321 (2016); and any United Nations Security Council resolution adopted on or after February 18, 2016 , that— authorizes the imposition of sanctions on persons for conduct with respect to North Korea; prohibits transactions or activities involving the Government of North Korea; or otherwise imposes sanctions with respect to North Korea. The term “appropriate congressional committees” means— the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate; and the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Committee on Financial Services, and the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives. The term “designated person” means a person designated under subsection (a), (b), or (g) of section 9214 of this title for purposes of applying 1 or more of the sanctions described in subchapter I or II with respect to the person. The term “foreign person” means— an individual who is not a United States citizen or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence to the United States; or an entity that is not a United States person. The term “Government of North Korea” means the Government of North Korea and its agencies, instrumentalities, and controlled entities. The term “humanitarian assistance” means assistance to meet humanitarian needs, including needs for food, medicine, medical supplies, clothing, and shelter. The term “intelligence community” has the meaning given such term in section 3003(4) of title 50 . The term “luxury goods”— has the meaning given such term in section 746.4(b)(1) of title 15, Code of Federal Regulations; includes the items listed in Supplement No. 1 to part 746 of such title, and any similar items; and also includes any items so designated under an applicable United Nations Security Council resolution. The term “monetary instruments” has the meaning given such term in section 5312(a) of title 31 . The term “North Korea” means the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The term “North Korean financial institution” means any financial institution that— is organized under the laws of North Korea or any jurisdiction within North Korea (including a foreign branch of such an institution); is located in North Korea, except for a financial institution that is excluded by the President in accordance with section 9228(c) of this title ; is owned or controlled by the Government of North Korea, regardless of location; or is owned or controlled by a financial institution described in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C), regardless of location. The term “North Korean person” means— a North Korean citizen or national; or an entity owned or controlled by the Government of North Korea or by a North Korean citizen or national. The term “significant activities undermining cybersecurity” includes— significant efforts to— deny access to or degrade, disrupt, or destroy an information and communications technology system or network; or exfiltrate information from such a system or network without authorization; significant destructive malware attacks; significant denial of service activities; and such other significant activities described in regulations promulgated to implement section 9214 of this title . The term “South Korea” means the Republic of Korea. The term “United States person” means— a United States citizen or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence to the United States; or an entity organized under the laws of the United States or of any jurisdiction within the United States, including a foreign branch of such an entity. ( Pub. L. 114–122, § 3 , Feb. 18, 2016 , 130 Stat. 95 ; Pub. L. 115–44, title III, § 302(a) , Aug. 2, 2017 , 131 Stat. 940 ; Pub. L. 116–92, div. F, title LXXI, § 7122(b)(1) , Dec. 20, 2019 , 133 Stat. 2248 .)

§ 9203 Strategy on North Korea

(a) Report on strategy required Not later than 90 days after December 12, 2017 , the President shall submit to Congress a report setting forth the strategy of the United States with respect to North Korea.

(b) Elements The report required by subsection (a) shall include the following: A description and assessment of the primary threats to United States national security interests from North Korea. A description of known foreign nation, foreign entity, or individual violations of current United Nations sanctions against North Korea, together with parameters for determining whether and on what timeline it serves United States interests to target such violators with unilateral secondary sanctions. A description of the diplomatic, economic, and trade relationships between China and North Korea and between Russia and North Korea, including trends in such relationships and their impact on the Government of North Korea. An identification of the diplomatic, economic, and security objectives for the Korean Peninsula and the desired end state in North Korea with respect to the security threats emanating from North Korea. A detailed roadmap to reach the objectives and end state identified pursuant to paragraph (4), including timelines for each element of the roadmap. A description of the unilateral and multilateral options available to the United States regarding North Korea, together with an assessment of the degree to which such options would impose costs on North Korea. A description of the resources and authorities necessary to carry out the roadmap described in paragraph (5). A description of operational plans and associated military requirements for the protection of United States interests with respect to North Korea. An identification of any capability or resource gaps that would affect the implementation of the strategy described in subsection (a), and a mitigation plan to address such gaps. An assessment of current and desired partner contributions to countering threats from North Korea, and a plan to enhance cooperation among countries with shared security interests with respect to North Korea. Any other matters the President considers appropriate.

(c) Annual updates The President shall submit to Congress in writing on an annual basis a report describing and assessing progress in the implementation of the strategy described in subsection (a).

(d) Form The report under subsection (a) and each report under subsection (c) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.

§ 9211 Statement of policy

In order to achieve the peaceful disarmament of North Korea, Congress finds that it is necessary— to encourage all member states of the United Nations to fully and promptly implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 2094 (2013); to sanction the persons, including financial institutions, that facilitate proliferation, illicit activities, arms trafficking, cyberterrorism, imports of luxury goods, serious human rights abuses, cash smuggling, and censorship by the Government of North Korea; to authorize the President to sanction persons who fail to exercise due diligence to ensure that such financial institutions and member states do not facilitate proliferation, arms trafficking, kleptocracy, or imports of luxury goods by the Government of North Korea; to deny the Government of North Korea access to the funds it uses to develop or obtain nuclear weapons, ballistic missiles, cyberwarfare capabilities, and luxury goods instead of providing for the needs of the people of North Korea; and to enforce sanctions in a manner that does not significantly hinder or delay the efforts of legitimate United States or foreign humanitarian organizations from providing assistance to meet the needs of civilians facing humanitarian crisis, including access to food, health care, shelter, and clean drinking water, to prevent or alleviate human suffering. ( Pub. L. 114–122, title I, § 101 , Feb. 18, 2016 , 130 Stat. 98 .)

§ 9212 Investigations

(a) Initiation The President shall initiate an investigation into the possible designation of a person under section 9214(a) or (g) of this title upon receipt by the President of credible information indicating that such person has engaged in conduct described in section 9214(a) or (g) of this title.

(b) Personnel The President may direct the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the heads of other Federal departments and agencies as may be necessary to assign sufficient experienced and qualified investigators, attorneys, and technical personnel— to investigate the conduct described in subsections (a), (b), and (g) of section 9214 of this title ; and to coordinate and ensure the effective enforcement of this chapter.

§ 9213 Reporting requirements

(a) Presidential briefings to Congress Not later than 180 days after February 18, 2016 , and periodically thereafter, the President shall provide a briefing to the appropriate congressional committees on efforts to implement this chapter.

(b) Report from Secretary of State Not later than 180 days after February 18, 2016 , the Secretary of State shall conduct, coordinate, and submit to Congress a comprehensive report on United States policy towards North Korea that— is based on a full and complete interagency review of current policies and possible alternatives, including with respect to North Korea’s weapons of mass destruction and missile programs, human rights atrocities, and significant activities undermining cybersecurity; and includes recommendations for such legislative or administrative action as the Secretary considers appropriate based on the results of the review.

§ 9214 Designation of persons

(a) Mandatory designations Except as provided in section 9228 of this title , the President shall designate under this subsection any person that the President determines— knowingly, directly or indirectly, imports, exports, or reexports to, into, or from North Korea any goods, services, or technology controlled for export by the United States because of the use of such goods, services, or technology for weapons of mass destruction or delivery systems for such weapons and materially contributes to the use, development, production, possession, or acquisition by any person of a nuclear, radiological, chemical, or biological weapon or any device or system designed in whole or in part to deliver such a weapon; knowingly, directly or indirectly, provides training, advice, or other services or assistance, or engages in significant financial transactions, relating to the manufacture, maintenance, or use of any such weapon, device, or system to be imported, exported, or reexported to, into, or from North Korea; knowingly, directly or indirectly, imports, exports, or reexports luxury goods to or into North Korea; knowingly engages in, is responsible for, or facilitates censorship by the Government of North Korea; knowingly engages in, is responsible for, or facilitates serious human rights abuses by the Government of North Korea; knowingly, directly or indirectly, engages in money laundering, the counterfeiting of goods or currency, bulk cash smuggling, or narcotics trafficking that supports the Government of North Korea or any senior official or person acting for or on behalf of that Government; knowingly engages in significant activities undermining cybersecurity through the use of computer networks or systems against foreign persons, governments, or other entities on behalf of the Government of North Korea; knowingly, directly or indirectly, sells, supplies, or transfers to or from the Government of North Korea or any person acting for or on behalf of that Government, a significant amount of precious metal, graphite, raw or semi-finished metals or aluminum, steel, coal, or software, for use by or in industrial processes directly related to weapons of mass destruction and delivery systems for such weapons, other proliferation activities, the Korean Workers’ Party, armed forces, internal security, or intelligence activities, or the operation and maintenance of political prison camps or forced labor camps, including outside of North Korea; knowingly, directly or indirectly, imports, exports, or reexports to, into, or from North Korea any arms or related materiel or any defense article or defense service (as such terms are defined in section 2794 of this title ); knowingly, directly or indirectly, purchases or otherwise acquires from North Korea any significant amounts of gold, titanium ore, vanadium ore, copper, silver, nickel, zinc, or rare earth minerals; knowingly, directly or indirectly, sells or transfers to North Korea any significant amounts of rocket, aviation, or jet fuel (except for use by a civilian passenger aircraft outside North Korea, exclusively for consumption during its flight to North Korea or its return flight); knowingly, directly or indirectly, provides significant amounts of fuel or supplies, provides bunkering services, or facilitates a significant transaction or transactions to operate or maintain, a vessel or aircraft that is designated under an applicable Executive order or an applicable United Nations Security Council resolution, or that is owned or controlled by a person designated under an applicable Executive order or applicable United Nations Security Council resolution; knowingly, directly or indirectly, insures, registers, facilitates the registration of, or maintains insurance or a registration for, a vessel owned or controlled by the Government of North Korea, except as specifically approved by the United Nations Security Council; knowingly, directly or indirectly, maintains a correspondent account (as defined in section 9221a(d)(1) of this title ) with any North Korean financial institution, except as specifically approved by the United Nations Security Council; or knowingly attempts to engage in any of the conduct described in paragraphs (1) through (14).

(b) Additional discretionary designations Except as provided in section 9228 of this title , the President may designate under this subsection any person that the President determines— knowingly engages in, contributes to, assists, sponsors, or provides financial, material or technological support for, or goods and services in support of, any person designated pursuant to— an applicable United Nations Security Council resolution; any regulation promulgated under section 9254 of this title ; or any applicable Executive order; knowingly contributed to— the bribery of an official of the Government of North Korea or any person acting for on behalf of that official; the misappropriation, theft, or embezzlement of public funds by, or for the benefit of, an official of the Government of North Korea or any person acting for or on behalf of that official; or the use of any proceeds of any activity described in clause (i) or (ii); knowingly and materially assisted, sponsored, or provided significant financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, the activities described in subparagraph (A) or (B); knowingly, directly or indirectly, purchased or otherwise acquired from the Government of North Korea significant quantities of coal, iron, or iron ore, in excess of the limitations provided in applicable United Nations Security Council resolutions; knowingly, directly or indirectly, purchased or otherwise acquired significant types or amounts of textiles from the Government of North Korea; knowingly facilitated a significant transfer of funds or property of the Government of North Korea that materially contributes to any violation of an applicable United National 1 Security Council resolution; knowingly, directly or indirectly, facilitated a significant transfer to or from the Government of North Korea of bulk cash, precious metals, gemstones, or other stores of value not described under subsection (a)(10); knowingly, directly or indirectly, sold, transferred, or otherwise provided significant amounts of crude oil, condensates, refined petroleum, other types of petroleum or petroleum byproducts, liquified natural gas, or other natural gas resources to the Government of North Korea (except for heavy fuel oil, gasoline, or diesel fuel for humanitarian use or as excepted under subsection (a)(11)); knowingly, directly or indirectly, engaged in, facilitated, or was responsible for the online commercial activities of the Government of North Korea, including online gambling; knowingly, directly or indirectly, purchased or otherwise acquired fishing rights from the Government of North Korea; knowingly, directly or indirectly, purchased or otherwise acquired significant types or amounts of food or agricultural products from the Government of North Korea; knowingly, directly or indirectly, engaged in, facilitated, or was responsible for the exportation of workers from North Korea in a manner intended to generate significant revenue, directly or indirectly, for use by the Government of North Korea or by the Workers’ Party of Korea; knowingly conducted a significant transaction or transactions in North Korea’s transportation, mining, energy, or financial services industries; or except as specifically approved by the United Nations Security Council, and other than through a correspondent account as described in subsection (a)(14), knowingly facilitated the operation of any branch, subsidiary, or office of a North Korean financial institution. With respect to any person designated under this subsection, the President may— apply the sanctions described in section 9224, 9225(c), 2 or 9226 of this title to the person to the same extent and in the same manner as if the person were designated under subsection (a); apply any applicable special measures described in section 5318A of title 31 ; prohibit any transactions in foreign exchange— that are subject to the jurisdiction of the United States; and in which such person has any interest; and prohibit any transfers of credit or payments between financial institutions or by, through, or to any financial institution, to the extent that such transfers or payments— are subject to the jurisdiction of the United States; and involve any interest of such person.

(c) Asset blocking The President shall exercise all of the powers granted to the President under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act ( 50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) to the extent necessary to block and prohibit all transactions in property and interests in property of a person designated under subsection (a) or (g), the Government of North Korea, or the Workers’ Party of Korea, if such property and interests in property are in the United States, come within the United States, or are or come within the possession or control of a United States person. The President may also exercise such powers, in the same manner and to the same extent described in paragraph (1), with respect to a person designated under subsection (b).

(d) Application to subsidiaries and agents The designation of a person under subsection (a), (b), or (g) and the blocking of property and interests in property under subsection (c) shall apply with respect to a person who is determined to be owned or controlled by, or to have acted or purported to have acted for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this section.

(e) Transaction licensing The President shall deny or revoke any license for any transaction that the President determines to lack sufficient financial controls to ensure that such transaction will not facilitate any activity described in subsection (a), (b), or (g).

(f) Penalties The penalties provided for in subsections (b) and (c) of section 206 of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act ( 50 U.S.C. 1705 ) shall apply to any person who violates, attempts to violate, conspires to violate, or causes a violation of any prohibition of this section, or an order or regulation prescribed under this section, to the same extent that such penalties apply to a person that commits an unlawful act described in section 206(a) of such Act ( 50 U.S.C. 1705(a) ).

(g) Additional mandatory designations Except as provided in section 9228 of this title , the President shall designate under this subsection any person that the President determines— knowingly, directly or indirectly, engages in the importation from or exportation to North Korea of significant quantities of— coal, textiles, seafood, iron, or iron ore; or refined petroleum products or crude oil above limits set by the United Nations Security Council and with which the United States concurs; or services or technology related to goods specified in clause (i); knowingly facilitates a significant transfer of funds or property of the Government of North Korea that materially contributes to any violation of an applicable United Nations Security Council resolution; knowingly, directly or indirectly, engages in, facilitates, or is responsible for the exportation of workers from North Korea, or the employment of such workers, in a manner that generates significant revenue, directly or indirectly, for use by the Government of North Korea or by the Workers’ Party of Korea; knowingly, directly or indirectly, sells or transfers a significant number of vessels to North Korea, except as specifically approved by the United Nations Security Council; knowingly engages in a significant activity to charter, insure, register, facilitate the registration of, or maintain insurance or a registration for, a vessel owned, controlled, commanded, or crewed by a North Korean person; or knowingly contributes to and participates in— a significant act of bribery of an official of the Government of North Korea or any person acting for or on behalf of that official; the misappropriation, theft, or embezzlement of a significant amount of public funds by, or for the benefit of, an official of the Government of North Korea or any person acting for or on behalf of that official; or the use of any proceeds of any activity described in subparagraph (A) or (B).

§ 9221 Determinations with respect to North Korea as a jurisdiction of primary money laundering concern

(a) Findings Congress makes the following findings: The Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, who is responsible for safeguarding the financial system against illicit use, money laundering, terrorist financing, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and has repeatedly expressed concern about North Korea’s misuse of the international financial system— in 2006— stated, “Given [North Korea’s] counterfeiting of U.S. currency, narcotics trafficking and use of accounts world-wide to conduct proliferation-related transactions, the line between illicit and licit North Korean money is nearly invisible.”; and urged financial institutions worldwide to “think carefully about the risks of doing any North Korea-related business”; in 2011, stated that North Korea— “remains intent on engaging in proliferation, selling arms as well as bringing in material”; and was “aggressively pursuing the effort to establish front companies.”; and in 2013, stated— in reference to North Korea’s distribution of high-quality counterfeit United States currency, that “North Korea is continuing to try to pass a supernote into the international financial system”; and the Department of the Treasury would soon introduce new currency with improved security features to protect against counterfeiting by the Government of North Korea. The Financial Action Task Force, an intergovernmental body whose purpose is to develop and promote national and international policies to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, has repeatedly— expressed concern at deficiencies in North Korea’s regimes to combat money laundering and terrorist financing; urged North Korea to adopt a plan of action to address significant deficiencies in those regimes and the serious threat those deficiencies pose to the integrity of the international financial system; urged all jurisdictions to apply countermeasures to protect the international financial system from ongoing and substantial money laundering and terrorist financing risks emanating from North Korea; urged all jurisdictions to advise their financial institutions to give special attention to business relationships and transactions with North Korea, including North Korean companies and financial institutions; and called on all jurisdictions— to protect against correspondent relationships being used to bypass or evade countermeasures and risk mitigation practices; and to take into account money laundering and terrorist financing risks when considering requests by North Korean financial institutions to open branches and subsidiaries in their respective jurisdictions. On March 7, 2013 , the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2094, which— welcomed the Financial Action Task Force’s— recommendation on financial sanctions related to proliferation; and guidance on the implementation of such sanctions; decided that United Nations member states should apply enhanced monitoring and other legal measures to prevent the provision of financial services or the transfer of property that could contribute to activities prohibited by applicable United Nations Security Council resolutions; and called upon United Nations member states to prohibit North Korean financial institutions from establishing or maintaining correspondent relationships with financial institutions in their respective jurisdictions to prevent the provision of financial services if such member states have information that provides reasonable grounds to believe that such activities could contribute to— activities prohibited by an applicable United Nations Security Council resolution; or the evasion of such prohibitions.

(b) Sense of Congress regarding the designation of North Korea as a jurisdiction of primary money laundering concern Congress— acknowledges the efforts of the United Nations Security Council to impose limitations on, and to require the enhanced monitoring of, transactions involving North Korean financial institutions that could contribute to sanctioned activities; urges the President, in the strongest terms— to immediately designate North Korea as a jurisdiction of primary money laundering concern; and to adopt stringent special measures to safeguard the financial system against the risks posed by North Korea’s willful evasion of sanctions and its illicit activities; and urges the President to seek the prompt implementation by other countries of enhanced monitoring and due diligence to prevent North Korea’s misuse of the international financial system, including by sharing information about activities, transactions, and property that could contribute to— activities sanctioned by applicable United Nations Security Council resolutions; or the evasion of such sanctions.

(c) Determinations regarding North Korea Not later than 180 days after February 18, 2016 , the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Attorney General, and in accordance with section 5318A of title 31 , shall determine whether reasonable grounds exist for concluding that North Korea is a jurisdiction of primary money laundering concern. If the Secretary of the Treasury determines under paragraph (1) that reasonable grounds exist for concluding that North Korea is a jurisdiction of primary money laundering concern, the Secretary, in consultation with the Federal functional regulators (as defined in section 6809 of title 15 ), shall impose 1 or more of the special measures described in section 5318A(b) of title 31 with respect to the jurisdiction of North Korea. Not later than 90 days after the date on which the Secretary of the Treasury makes a determination under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that contains the reasons for such determination. The report submitted under subparagraph (A) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.

§ 9221a Prohibition on indirect correspondent accounts

(a) In general Except as provided in subsection (b), if a United States financial institution has or obtains knowledge that a correspondent account established, maintained, administered, or managed by that institution for a foreign financial institution is being used by the foreign financial institution to provide significant financial services indirectly to any person, foreign government, or financial institution designated under section 9214 of this title , the United States financial institution shall ensure that such correspondent account is no longer used to provide such services.

(b) Exception A United States financial institution is authorized to process transfers of funds to or from North Korea, or for the direct or indirect benefit of any person, foreign government, or financial institution that is designated under section 9214 of this title , only if the transfer— arises from, and is ordinarily incident and necessary to give effect to, an underlying transaction that has been authorized by a specific or general license issued by the Secretary of the Treasury; and does not involve debiting or crediting a North Korean account.

(c) Definitions In this section: The term “correspondent account” has the meaning given that term in section 5318A of title 31 . The term “United States financial institution” means 1 has the meaning given that term in section 510.310 of title 31, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on August 2, 2017 . The term “foreign financial institution” has the meaning given that term in section 1010.605 of title 31, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on August 2, 2017 .

§ 9221b Sanctions with respect to foreign financial institutions that provide financial services to certain sanctioned persons

(a) In general The Secretary of the Treasury shall impose one or more of the sanctions described in subsection (b) with respect to a foreign financial institution that the Secretary determines, in consultation with the Secretary of State, knowingly, on or after the date that is 120 days after December 20, 2019 , provides significant financial services to any person designated for the imposition of sanctions with respect to North Korea under— subsection (a), (b), or (g) of section 9214 of this title ; an applicable Executive order; or an applicable United Nations Security Council resolution.

(b) Sanctions described The sanctions that may be imposed with respect to a foreign financial institution subject to subsection (a) are the following: The Secretary may block and prohibit, pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act ( 50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.), all transactions in all property and interests in property of the foreign financial institution if such property and interests in property are in the United States, come within the United States, or are or come within the possession or control of a United States person. The Secretary may prohibit, or impose strict conditions on, the opening or maintaining in the United States of a correspondent account or a payable-through account by the foreign financial institution.

(c) Implementation; penalties The President may exercise all authorities provided under sections 203 and 205 of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act ( 50 U.S.C. 1702 and 1704) to carry out this section. A person that violates, attempts to violate, conspires to violate, or causes a violation of this section or any regulation, license, or order issued to carry out this section shall be subject to the penalties set forth in subsections (b) and (c) of section 206 of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act ( 50 U.S.C. 1705 ) to the same extent as a person that commits an unlawful act described in subsection (a) of that section.

(d) Regulations Not later than 120 days after December 20, 2019 , the President shall, as appropriate, prescribe regulations to carry out this section.

(e) Exception relating to importation of goods Notwithstanding section 9254(b) of this title or any provision of this section, the authorities and requirements to impose sanctions under this section shall not include the authority or a requirement to impose sanctions on the importation of goods. In this subsection, the term “good” means any article, natural or manmade substance, material, supply or manufactured product, including inspection and test equipment, and excluding technical data.

(f) Definitions In this section: The terms “account”, “correspondent account”, and “payable-through account” have the meanings given those terms in section 5318A of title 31 . The term “foreign financial institution” has the meaning given that term in section 510.309 of title 31, Code of Federal Regulations (or any corresponding similar regulation or ruling). The term “knowingly”, with respect to conduct, a circumstance, or a result, means that a person has actual knowledge, or should have known, of the conduct, the circumstance, or the result.

§ 9221c Prohibition on transactions with certain sanctioned persons by persons owned or controlled by United States financial institutions

(a) In general Not later than 180 days after December 20, 2019 , the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, shall prohibit an entity owned or controlled by a United States financial institution and established or maintained outside the United States from knowingly engaging in any transaction described in subsection (b) directly or indirectly with the Government of North Korea or any person designated for the imposition of sanctions with respect to North Korea under— subsection (a), (b), or (g) of section 9214 of this title ; an applicable Executive order; or an applicable United Nations Security Council resolution.

(b) Transactions described A transaction described in this subsection is a transaction that would be prohibited by an order or regulation issued pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act ( 50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) if the transaction were engaged in in the United States or by a United States person.

(c) Civil penalties The civil penalty provided for in section 206(b) of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act ( 50 U.S.C. 1705(b) ) shall apply to a United States financial institution to the same extent that such penalty applies to a person that commits an unlawful act described in section 206(a) of that Act if an entity owned or controlled by the United States financial institution and established or maintained outside the United States violates, attempts to violate, conspires to violate, or causes a violation of any order or regulation issued to implement subsection (a).

(d) United States financial institution defined In this section, the term “United States financial institution” has the meaning given the term “U.S. financial institution” in section 510.328 of title 31, Code of Federal Regulations (or any corresponding similar regulation or ruling).

§ 9222 Ensuring the consistent enforcement of United Nations Security Council resolutions and financial restrictions on North Korea

(a) Findings Congress makes the following findings: All member states of the United Nations are obligated to implement and enforce applicable United Nations Security Council resolutions fully and promptly, including by blocking the property of, and ensuring that any property is prevented from being made available to, persons designated for the blocking of property by the Security Council under applicable United Nations Security Council resolutions. As of May 2015, 158 of the 193 member states of the United Nations had not submitted reports on measures taken to implement North Korea-specific United Nations Security Council resolutions 1718, 1874, and 2094. A recent report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO–15–485)— finds that officials of the United States and representatives of the United Nations Panel of Experts established pursuant to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1874 (2009), which monitors and facilitates implementation of United Nations sanctions on North Korea, “agree that the lack of detailed reports from all member states is an impediment to the UN’s effective implementation of its sanctions”; and notes that “many member states lack the technical capacity to enforce sanctions and prepare reports” on the implementation of United Nations sanctions on North Korea. All member states share a common interest in protecting the international financial system from the risks of money laundering and illicit transactions emanating from North Korea. The United States dollar and the euro are the world’s principal reserve currencies, and the United States and the European Union are primarily responsible for the protection of the international financial system from the risks described in paragraph (4). The cooperation of the People’s Republic of China, as North Korea’s principal trading partner, is essential to— the enforcement of applicable United Nations Security Council resolutions; and the protection of the international financial system. The report of the Panel of Experts expressed concern about the ability of banks to detect and prevent illicit transfers involving North Korea if such banks are located in member states with less effective regulators or member states that are unable to afford effective compliance. North Korea has historically exploited inconsistencies between jurisdictions in the interpretation and enforcement of financial regulations and applicable United Nations Security Council resolutions to circumvent sanctions and launder the proceeds of illicit activities. Amroggang Development Bank, Bank of East Land, and Tanchon Commercial Bank have been designated by the Secretary of the Treasury, the United Nations Security Council, and the European Union as having materially contributed to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Korea Daesong Bank and Korea Kwangson Banking Corporation have been designated by the Secretary of the Treasury and the European Union as having materially contributed to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The Foreign Trade Bank of North Korea has been designated by the Secretary of the Treasury for facilitating transactions on behalf of persons linked to its proliferation network and for serving as “a key financial node”. Daedong Credit Bank has been designated by the Secretary of the Treasury for activities prohibited by applicable United Nations Security Council resolutions, including the use of deceptive financial practices to facilitate transactions on behalf of persons linked to North Korea’s proliferation network.

(b) Sense of Congress It is the sense of Congress that the President should intensify diplomatic efforts in appropriate international fora, such as the United Nations, and bilaterally, to develop and implement a coordinated, consistent, multilateral strategy for protecting the global financial system against risks emanating from North Korea, including— the cessation of any financial services the continuation of which is inconsistent with applicable United Nations Security Council resolutions; the cessation of any financial services to persons, including financial institutions, that present unacceptable risks of facilitating money laundering and illicit activity by the Government of North Korea; the blocking by all member states, in accordance with the legal process of the state in which the property is held, of any property required to be blocked under applicable United Nations Security Council resolutions; the blocking of any property derived from illicit activity, or from the misappropriation, theft, or embezzlement of public funds by, or for the benefit of, officials of the Government of North Korea; the blocking of any property involved in significant activities undermining cybersecurity by the Government of North Korea, directly or indirectly, against United States persons, or the theft of intellectual property by the Government of North Korea, directly or indirectly from United States persons; and the blocking of any property of persons directly or indirectly involved in censorship or human rights abuses by the Government of North Korea.

(c) Strategy to improve international implementation and enforcement of United Nations North Korea-specific sanctions The President shall direct the Secretary of State, in coordination with other Federal departments and agencies, as appropriate, to develop a strategy to improve international implementation and enforcement of United Nations North Korea-specific sanctions. The strategy should include elements— to increase the number of countries submitting reports to the United Nations Panel of Experts established pursuant to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1874 (2009), including developing a list of targeted countries where effective implementation and enforcement of United Nations sanctions would reduce the threat from North Korea; to encourage member states of the United Nations to cooperate and share information with the panel in order to help facilitate investigations; to expand cooperation with the Panel of Experts; to provide technical assistance to member states to implement United Nations sanctions, including developing the capacity to enforce sanctions through improved export control regulations, border security, and customs systems; to harness existing United States Government initiatives and assistance programs, as appropriate, to improve sanctions implementation and enforcement; and to increase outreach to the people of North Korea, and to support the engagement of independent, non-governmental journalistic, humanitarian, and other institutions in North Korea.

(d) Report required Not later than 90 days after February 18, 2016 , and annually thereafter, the Secretary of State shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that describes the actions undertaken to implement the strategy required by subsection (c).

§ 9223 Proliferation prevention sanctions

(a) Export of certain goods or technology A validated license shall be required for the export to North Korea of any goods or technology otherwise covered under section 4605(j) 1 of title 50. No defense exports may be approved for the Government of North Korea.

(b) Transactions in defense articles or defense services The President shall withhold assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 ( 22 U.S.C. 2151 et seq.) to the government of any country that provides to or receives from the Government of North Korea a defense article or defense service, as such terms are defined in section 2794 of this title , if the President determines that a significant type or amount of such article or service has been so provided or received. The prohibition under paragraph (1) with respect to a government shall terminate on the date that is 5 years after the date on which the prohibition under paragraph (1) is applied to that government.

(c) Waiver Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of State may waive the prohibitions under this section with respect to a country if the Secretary— determines that such waiver is in the national interest of the United States; and submits a written report to the appropriate congressional committees that describes— the steps that the relevant agencies are taking to curtail the trade described in subsection (b)(1); and why such waiver is in the national interest of the United States.

(d) Exception The prohibitions under this section shall not apply to the provision of assistance for human rights, democracy, rule of law, maternal and child health, disease prevention and response, or humanitarian purposes.

(e) Report on arms trafficking involving North Korea Not later than 180 days after August 2, 2017 , and annually thereafter for 5 years, the Secretary of State shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that specifically describes the compliance of foreign countries and other foreign jurisdictions with the requirement to curtail the trade described in subsection (b)(1). The report required under paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form but may contain a classified annex.

§ 9224 Procurement sanctions

(a) In general Except as provided in this section, the head of an executive agency may not procure, or enter into any contract for the procurement of, any goods or services from any person designated under section 9214(a) or (g) of this title.

(b) Federal Acquisition Regulation The Federal Acquisition Regulation issued pursuant to section 1303(a)(1) of title 41 shall be revised to require that each person that is a prospective contractor submit a certification that such person does not engage in any activity described in section 9214(a) or (g) of this title. The revision required under paragraph (1) shall apply with respect to contracts for which solicitations are issued on or after the date that is 90 days after February 18, 2016 .

(c) Remedies The Administrator of General Services shall include, on the List of Parties Excluded from Federal Procurement and Nonprocurement Programs maintained by the Administrator under part 9 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, each person that is debarred, suspended, or proposed for debarment or suspension by the head of an executive agency on the basis of a determination of a false certification under subsection (b). If the head of an executive agency determines that a person has submitted a false certification under subsection (b) after the date on which the Federal Acquisition Regulation is revised to implement the requirements of this section, the head of such executive agency shall— terminate any contract with such person; and debar or suspend such person from eligibility for Federal contracts for a period of not longer than 2 years. Any debarment or suspension under paragraph (2)(B) shall be subject to the procedures that apply to debarment and suspension under subpart 9.4 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation.

(d) Clarification regarding certain products The remedies specified in subsection (c) shall not apply with respect to the procurement of any eligible product (as defined in section 2518(4) of title 19 of any foreign country or instrumentality designated under section 2511(b) of title 19 .

(e) Rule of construction Nothing in this subsection may be construed to limit the use of other remedies available to the head of an executive agency or any other official of the Federal Government on the basis of a determination of a false certification under subsection (b).

(f) Executive agency defined In this section, the term “executive agency” has the meaning given such term in section 133 of title 41 .

§ 9225 Enhanced inspection authorities

(a) Report required Not later than 180 days after August 2, 2017 , and annually thereafter for 5 years, the President shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report— identifying the operators of foreign sea ports and airports that knowingly— significantly fail to implement or enforce regulations to inspect ships, aircraft, cargo, or conveyances in transit to or from North Korea, as required by applicable United Nations Security Council resolutions; facilitate the transfer, transshipment, or conveyance of significant types or quantities of cargo, vessels, or aircraft owned or controlled by persons designated under applicable United Nations Security Council resolutions; or facilitate any of the activities described in section 9214(a) of this title ; describing the extent to which the requirements of applicable United Nations Security Council resolutions to de-register any vessel owned, controlled, or operated by or on behalf of the Government of North Korea have been implemented by other foreign countries; describing the compliance of the Islamic Republic of Iran with the sanctions mandated in applicable United Nations Security Council resolutions; identifying vessels, aircraft, and conveyances owned or controlled by the Reconnaissance General Bureau of the Workers’ Party of Korea; and describing the diplomatic and enforcement efforts by the President to secure the full implementation of the applicable United Nations Security Council resolutions, as described in subparagraphs (A) through (C). The report required under paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form but may contain a classified annex.

(b) Specific findings Each report required under subsection (a) shall include specific findings with respect to the following ports and airports: The ports of Dandong, Dalian, and any other port in the People’s Republic of China that the President deems appropriate. The ports of Abadan, Bandar-e-Abbas, Chabahar, Bandar-e-Khomeini, Bushehr Port, Asaluyeh Port, Kish, Kharg Island, Bandar-e-Lenge, and Khorramshahr, and Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport, in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The ports of Nakhodka, Vanino, and Vladivostok, in the Russian Federation. The ports of Latakia, Banias, and Tartous, and Damascus International Airport, in the Syrian Arab Republic.

(c) Enhanced security targeting requirements Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Secretary of Homeland Security may, using a layered approach, require enhanced screening procedures to determine whether physical inspections are warranted of any cargo bound for or landed in the United States that— has been transported through a sea port or airport the operator of which has been identified by the President in accordance with subsection (a)(1) as having repeatedly failed to comply with applicable United Nations Security Council resolutions; is aboard a vessel or aircraft, or within a conveyance that has, within the last 365 days, entered the territory or waters of North Korea, or landed in any of the sea ports or airports of North Korea; or is registered by a country or jurisdiction whose compliance has been identified by the President as deficient pursuant to subsection (a)(2). Paragraph (1) shall not apply to any vessel, aircraft, or conveyance that has entered the territory or waters of North Korea, or landed in any of the sea ports or airports of North Korea, exclusively for the purposes described in section 9228(b)(3)(B) of this title , or to import food, medicine, or supplies into North Korea to meet the humanitarian needs of the North Korean people.

(d) Seizure and forfeiture A vessel, aircraft, or conveyance used to facilitate any of the activities described in section 9214(a) of this title under the jurisdiction of the United States may be seized and forfeited, or subject to forfeiture, under— chapter 46 of title 18; or part V of title IV of the Tariff Act of 1930 ( 19 U.S.C. 1581 et seq.).

§ 9226 Travel sanctions

The Secretary of State may deny a visa to, and the Secretary of Homeland Security may deny entry into the United States of, any alien who is— a designated person; a corporate officer of a designated person; or a principal shareholder with a controlling interest in a designated person. ( Pub. L. 114–122, title II, § 206 , Feb. 18, 2016 , 130 Stat. 108 .)

§ 9227 Travel recommendations for United States citizens to North Korea

The Secretary of State shall expand the scope and frequency of issuance of travel warnings for all United States citizens to North Korea. The expanded travel warnings, which should be issued or updated not less frequently than every 90 days, should include— publicly released or credible open source information regarding the detention of United States citizens by North Korean authorities, including available information on circumstances of arrest and detention, duration, legal proceedings, and conditions under which a United States citizen has been, or continues to be, detained by North Korean authorities, including present-day cases and cases occurring during the 10-year period ending on February 18, 2016 ; publicly released or credible open source information on the past and present detention and abduction or alleged abduction of citizens of the United States, South Korea, or Japan by North Korean authorities; unclassified information about the nature of the North Korean regime, as described in congressionally mandated reports and annual reports issued by the Department of State and the United Nations, including information about North Korea’s weapons of mass destruction programs, illicit activities, international sanctions violations, and human rights situation; and any other information that the Secretary deems useful to provide United States citizens with a comprehensive picture of the nature of the North Korean regime. ( Pub. L. 114–122, title II, § 207 , Feb. 18, 2016 , 130 Stat. 108 .)

§ 9228 Exemptions, waivers, and removals of designation

(a) Exemptions The following activities shall be exempt from sanctions under sections 9214, 9221a, 9221b, 9221c, 9226, 9229, 9241a, 9241b, and 9243 of this title: Activities subject to the reporting requirements under title V of the National Security Act of 1947 ( 50 U.S.C. 3091 et seq.), or to any authorized intelligence activities of the United States. Any transaction necessary to comply with United States obligations under the Agreement between the United Nations and the United States of America regarding the Headquarters of the United Nations, signed at Lake Success June 26, 1947 , and entered into force November 21, 1947 , or under the Convention on Consular Relations, done at Vienna April 24, 1963 , and entered into force March 19, 1967 , or under other international agreements. Any activities incidental to the POW/MIA accounting mission in North Korea, including activities by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency and other governmental or nongovernmental organizations tasked with identifying or recovering the remains of members of the United States Armed Forces in North Korea.

(b) Humanitarian waiver The President may waive, for renewable periods of between 30 days and 1 year, the application of the sanctions authorized under section 9214, 9221a, 9221b, 9221c, 9224, 9225, 9226, 9229(b), 9241a, 9241b, or 9243(b) of this title if the President submits to the appropriate congressional committees a written determination that the waiver is necessary for humanitarian assistance or to carry out the humanitarian purposes set forth section 7802 of this title . A written determination submitted under paragraph (1) with respect to a waiver shall include a description of all notification and accountability controls that have been employed in order to ensure that the activities covered by the waiver are humanitarian assistance or are carried out for the purposes set forth in section 7802 of this title and do not entail any activities in North Korea or dealings with the Government of North Korea not reasonably related to humanitarian assistance or such purposes. An internationally recognized humanitarian organization shall not be subject to sanctions under section 9214, 9221a, 9221b, 9221c, 9224, 9225, 9226, 9229(b), 9241a, 9241b, or 9243(b) of this title for— engaging in a financial transaction relating to humanitarian assistance or for humanitarian purposes pursuant to a waiver issued under paragraph (1); transporting goods or services that are necessary to carry out operations relating to humanitarian assistance or humanitarian purposes pursuant to such a waiver; or having merely incidental contact, in the course of providing humanitarian assistance or aid for humanitarian purposes pursuant to such a waiver, with individuals who are under the control of a foreign person subject to sanctions under this chapter.

(c) Waiver The President may waive, on a case-by-case basis, for renewable periods of between 30 days and 1 year, the application of the sanctions authorized under section 9214, 9221a, 9221b, 9221c, 9221(c)(2), 9224, 9225, 9226, 9229(b), 9241a, 9241b, or 9243(b) of this title if the President submits to the appropriate congressional committees a written determination that the waiver— is important to the national security interests of the United States; or will further the enforcement of this chapter or is for an important law enforcement purpose.

(d) Financial services for humanitarian and consular activities The President may promulgate such regulations, rules, and policies as may be necessary to facilitate the provision of financial services by a foreign financial institution that is not a North Korean financial institution in support of activities conducted pursuant to an exemption or waiver under this section.

§ 9229 Report on and imposition of sanctions to address persons responsible for knowingly engaging in significant activities undermining cybersecurity

(a) Report required The President shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that describes significant activities undermining cybersecurity aimed against the United States Government or any United States person and conducted by the Government of North Korea, or a person owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by the Government of North Korea or any person acting for or on behalf of that Government. The report required under paragraph (1) shall include— the identity and nationality of persons that have knowingly engaged in, directed, or provided material support to conduct significant activities undermining cybersecurity described in paragraph (1); a description of the conduct engaged in by each person identified; an assessment of the extent to which a foreign government has provided material support to the Government of North Korea or any person acting for or on behalf of that Government to conduct significant activities undermining cybersecurity; and a United States strategy to counter North Korea’s efforts to conduct significant activities undermining cybersecurity against the United States, that includes efforts to engage foreign governments to halt the capability of the Government of North Korea and persons acting for or on behalf of that Government to conduct significant activities undermining cybersecurity. The report required under paragraph (1) shall be submitted not later than 90 days after October 25, 2018 , and every 180 days thereafter for 5 years. The report required under paragraph (1) shall be submitted in an unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.

(b) Designation of persons The President shall designate under section 9214(a) of this title any person identified in the report required under subsection (a)(1) that knowingly engages in significant activities undermining cybersecurity through the use of computer networks or systems against foreign persons, governments, or other entities on behalf of the Government of North Korea.

§ 9230 Codification of sanctions with respect to North Korean activities undermining cybersecurity

(a) In general United States sanctions with respect to activities of the Government of North Korea, persons acting for or on behalf of that Government, or persons located in North Korea that undermine cybersecurity provided for in Executive Order 13687 ( 50 U.S.C. 1701 note; relating to imposing additional sanctions with respect to North Korea) or Executive Order 13694 ( 50 U.S.C. 1701 note; relating to blocking the property of certain persons engaging in significant malicious cyber-enabled activities), as such Executive Orders are in effect on the day before February 18, 2016 , shall remain in effect until the date that is 30 days after the date on which the President submits to Congress a certification that the Government of North Korea, persons acting for or on behalf of that Government, and persons owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Government or persons acting for or on behalf of that Government, are no longer engaged in the illicit activities described in such Executive Orders, including actions in violation of United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1718 (2006), 1874 (2009), 2087 (2013), and 2094 (2013).

(b) Rule of construction Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the authority of the President pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act ( 50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.).

§ 9231 Sense of Congress on trilateral cooperation between the United States, South Korea, and Japan

(a) In general It is the sense of Congress that the President— should seek to strengthen high-level trilateral mechanisms for discussion and coordination of policy toward North Korea between the Government of the United States, the Government of South Korea, and the Government of Japan; should ensure that the mechanisms specifically address North Korea’s nuclear, ballistic, and conventional weapons programs, its human rights record, and cybersecurity threats posed by North Korea; should ensure that representatives of the United States, South Korea, and Japan meet on a regular basis and include representatives of the United States Department of State, the United States Department of Defense, the United States intelligence community, and representatives of counterpart agencies in South Korea and Japan; and should continue to brief the relevant congressional committees regularly on the status of such discussions.

(b) Relevant committees The relevant committees referred to in subsection (a)(4) shall include— the Committee on Foreign Relations, the Committee on Armed Services, and the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate; and the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Committee on Armed Services, and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives.

§ 9241 Strategy to promote North Korean human rights

(a) In general Not later than 120 days after October 25, 2018 , and periodically thereafter, the Secretary of State, in coordination with other appropriate Federal departments and agencies, shall submit to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives a report that details a United States strategy to promote initiatives to enhance international awareness of and to address the human rights situation in North Korea.

(b) Information The report required under subsection (a) should include— a list of countries that forcibly repatriate refugees from North Korea; a list of countries where North Korean laborers work, including countries the governments of which have formal arrangements with the Government of North Korea or any person acting for or on behalf of that Government to employ North Korean workers; and a list of foreign persons that knowingly employ North Korean laborers, as described in section 9214(g)(1)(C) of this title .

(c) Strategy The report required under subsection (a) should include— a plan to enhance bilateral and multilateral outreach, including sustained engagement with the governments of partners and allies with overseas posts to routinely demarche or brief those governments on North Korea human rights issues, including forced labor, trafficking, and repatriation of citizens of North Korea; public affairs and public diplomacy campaigns, including options to work with news organizations and media outlets to publish opinion pieces and secure public speaking opportunities for United States Government officials on issues related to the human rights situation in North Korea, including forced labor, trafficking, and repatriation of citizens of North Korea; and opportunities to coordinate and collaborate with appropriate nongovernmental organizations and private sector entities to raise awareness and provide assistance to North Korean defectors throughout the world.

§ 9241a Rebuttable presumption applicable to goods made with North Korean labor

(a) In general Except as provided in subsection (b), any significant goods, wares, articles, and merchandise mined, produced, or manufactured wholly or in part by the labor of North Korean nationals or citizens shall be deemed to be prohibited under section 1307 of title 19 and shall not be entitled to entry at any of the ports of the United States.

(b) Exception The prohibition described in subsection (a) shall not apply if the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection finds, by clear and convincing evidence, that the goods, wares, articles, or merchandise described in such paragraph were not produced with convict labor, forced labor, or indentured labor under penal sanctions.

§ 9241b Sanctions on foreign persons employing North Korean labor

(a) In general Except as provided in subsection (c), the President shall designate any person identified under section 9241(b)(3) of this title for the imposition of sanctions under subsection (b).

(b) Imposition of sanctions The President shall impose the sanctions described in paragraph (2) with respect to any person designated under subsection (a). The sanctions described in this paragraph are sanctions pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act ( 50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) to block and prohibit all transactions in property and interests in property of a person designated under subsection (a), if such property and interests in property are in the United States, come within the United States, or are or come within the possession or control of a United States person.

(c) Exception A person may not be designated under subsection (a) if the President certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that the President has received reliable assurances from such person that— the employment of North Korean laborers does not result in the direct or indirect transfer of convertible currency, luxury goods, or other stores of value to the Government of North Korea; all wages and benefits are provided directly to the laborers, and are held, as applicable, in accounts within the jurisdiction in which they reside in locally denominated currency; and the laborers are subject to working conditions consistent with international standards. Not later than 180 days after the date on which the President transmits to the appropriate congressional committees an initial certification under paragraph (1), and every 180 days thereafter, the President shall— transmit a recertification stating that the conditions described in such paragraph continue to be met; or if such recertification cannot be transmitted, impose the sanctions described in subsection (b) beginning on the date on which the President determines that such recertification cannot be transmitted.

§ 9242 Report on North Korean prison camps

(a) In general The Secretary of State shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that describes, with respect to each political prison camp in North Korea, to the extent information is available— the camp’s estimated prisoner population; the camp’s geographical coordinates; the reasons for the confinement of the prisoners; the camp’s primary industries and products, and the end users of any goods produced in the camp; the individuals and agencies responsible for conditions in the camp; the conditions under which prisoners are confined, with respect to the adequacy of food, shelter, medical care, working conditions, and reports of ill-treatment of prisoners; and imagery, to include satellite imagery of the camp, in a format that, if published, would not compromise the sources and methods used by the United States intelligence community to capture geospatial imagery.

(b) Form The report required under subsection (a) may be included in the first human rights report required to be submitted to Congress after February 18, 2016 , under sections 2151n(d) and 2304(b) of this title.

§ 9243 Report on and imposition of sanctions with respect to serious human rights abuses or censorship in North Korea

(a) Report required The Secretary of State shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that— identifies each person the Secretary determines to be responsible for serious human rights abuses or censorship in North Korea and describes the conduct of that person; and describes serious human rights abuses or censorship undertaken by the Government of North Korea or any person acting for or on behalf of that Government in the most recent year ending before the submission of the report. In preparing the report required under paragraph (1), the Secretary of State shall— give due consideration to the findings of the United Nations Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in North Korea; and make specific findings with respect to the responsibility of Kim Jong Un, and of each individual who is a member of the National Defense Commission of North Korea or the Organization and Guidance Department of the Workers’ Party of Korea, for serious human rights abuses and censorship. The report required under paragraph (1) shall be submitted not later than 120 days after February 18, 2016 , and every 180 days thereafter for a period not to exceed 3 years, and shall be included in each human rights report required under sections 2151n(d) and 2304(b) of this title. The report required under paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex. The Secretary of State shall publish the unclassified part of the report required under paragraph (1) on the website of the Department of State.

(b) Designation of persons The President shall designate under section 9214(a) of this title any person listed in the report required under subsection (a)(1) that— knowingly engages in, is responsible for, or facilitates censorship by the Government of North Korea; or knowingly engages in, is responsible for, or facilitates serious human rights abuses by the Government of North Korea.

(c) Sense of Congress It is the sense of Congress that the President should— seek the prompt adoption by the United Nations Security Council of a resolution calling for the blocking of the assets of all persons responsible for severe human rights abuses or censorship in North Korea; and fully cooperate with the prosecution of any individual listed in the report required under subsection (a)(1) before any international tribunal that may be established to prosecute persons responsible for severe human rights abuses or censorship in North Korea.

§ 9251 Suspension of sanctions and other measures

(a) In general Any sanction or other measure required under subchapter I, II, or III (or any amendment made by such subchapters) (other than section 9214(g), 9221b, or 9221c of this title) may be suspended for up to 1 year upon certification by the President to the appropriate congressional committees that the Government of North Korea has made progress toward— verifiably ceasing its counterfeiting of United States currency, including the surrender or destruction of specialized materials and equipment used or particularly suitable for counterfeiting; taking steps toward financial transparency to comply with generally accepted protocols to cease and prevent the laundering of monetary instruments; taking steps toward verification of its compliance with applicable United Nations Security Council resolutions; taking steps toward accounting for and repatriating the citizens of other countries— abducted or unlawfully held captive by the Government of North Korea; or detained in violation of the Agreement Concerning a Military Armistice in Korea, signed at Panmunjom July 27, 1953 (commonly referred to as the “Korean War Armistice Agreement”); accepting and beginning to abide by internationally recognized standards for the distribution and monitoring of humanitarian aid; and taking verified steps to improve living conditions in its political prison camps.

(b) Renewal of suspension The suspension described in subsection (a) may be renewed for additional, consecutive 180-day periods after the President certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that the Government of North Korea has continued to comply with the conditions described in subsection (a) during the previous year.

§ 9252 Termination of sanctions and other measures

Any sanction or other measure required under subchapter I, II, or III (or any amendment made by such subchapters) shall terminate on the date on which the President determines and certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that the Government of North Korea has— met the requirements set forth in section 9251 of this title ; and made significant progress toward— completely, verifiably, and irreversibly dismantling all of its nuclear, chemical, biological, and radiological weapons programs, including all programs for the development of systems designed in whole or in part for the delivery of such weapons; releasing all political prisoners, including the citizens of North Korea detained in North Korea’s political prison camps; ceasing its censorship of peaceful political activity; establishing an open, transparent, and representative society; and fully accounting for and repatriating United States citizens (including deceased United States citizens)— abducted or unlawfully held captive by the Government of North Korea; or detained in violation of the Agreement Concerning a Military Armistice in Korea, signed at Panmunjom July 27, 1953 (commonly referred to as the “Korean War Armistice Agreement”). ( Pub. L. 114–122, title IV, § 402 , Feb. 18, 2016 , 130 Stat. 115 .)

§ 9253 Repealed. Pub. L. 115–198, § 9, July 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 1525

§ 9254 Rulemaking

(a) In general The President is authorized to promulgate such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter (which may include regulatory exceptions), including under section 205 of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act ( 50 U.S.C. 1704 ).

(b) Rule of construction Nothing in this chapter, or in any amendment made by this Act, may be construed to limit the authority of the President to designate or sanction persons pursuant to an applicable Executive order or otherwise pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act ( 50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.).

§ 9255 Authority to consolidate reports

Any and all reports required to be submitted to appropriate congressional committees under this chapter or any amendment made by this Act that are subject to a deadline for submission consisting of the same unit of time may be consolidated into a single report that is submitted to appropriate congressional committees pursuant to such deadline. The consolidated reports must contain all information required under this chapter or any amendment made by this Act, in addition to all other elements mandated by previous law. ( Pub. L. 114–122, title IV, § 405 , Feb. 18, 2016 , 130 Stat. 116 .)

§ 9261 Definitions

In this subtitle, 1 the terms “applicable Executive order”, “applicable United Nations Security Council resolution”, “appropriate congressional committees”, “Government of North Korea”, “North Korea”, “North Korean financial institution”, and “North Korean person” have the meanings given those terms in section 9202 of this title . ( Pub. L. 116–92, div. F, title LXXI, § 7112 , Dec. 20, 2019 , 133 Stat. 2244 .)

§ 9265 Notification of termination or suspension of sanctions

Before taking any action to terminate or suspend the application of sanctions under this subtitle 1 or an amendment made by this subtitle, the President shall notify the appropriate congressional committees of the President’s intent to take the action and the reasons for the action. ( Pub. L. 116–92, div. F, title LXXI, § 7131 , Dec. 20, 2019 , 133 Stat. 2252 .)

§ 9265a Reports on certain licensing actions

(a) Report required Not later than 180 days after December 20, 2019 , and every 180 days thereafter, the President shall submit to the committees specified in paragraph (2) a report on the operation of the system for issuing licenses for transactions under covered regulatory provisions during the preceding 180-day period that includes— the number and types of such licenses applied for during that period; and the number of such licenses issued during that period and information identifying the person receiving each such license. The committees specified in this paragraph are the following: The Committee on Financial Services and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives. The Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate.

(b) Submission of copies of licenses on request The Secretary of the Treasury shall expeditiously provide a copy of any license identified in a report required by subsection (a)(1) to the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate if an appropriate Member of Congress requests a copy of that license not later than 30 days after submission of the report.

(c) Form Each report required by subsection (a), and each copy of a license submitted under subsection (b), shall be submitted in unclassified form but may include a classified annex.

(d) Definitions In this section: The term “appropriate Member of Congress” means— the chairman or ranking member of the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives; or the chairman or ranking member of the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate. The term “covered regulatory provision” means any of the following provisions, as in effect on the day before December 20, 2019 , and as such provisions relate to North Korea: Part 743, 744, or 746 of title 15, Code of Federal Regulations. Part 510 of title 31, Code of Federal Regulations. Any other provision of title 31, Code of Federal Regulations.

§ 9269 Rulemaking

The President shall prescribe such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out this subtitle 1 and amendments made by this subtitle. ( Pub. L. 116–92, div. F, title LXXI, § 7141 , Dec. 20, 2019 , 133 Stat. 2255 .)

§ 9269a Authority to consolidate reports

(a) In general Any and all reports required to be submitted to the appropriate congressional committees under this subtitle 1 or an amendment made by this subtitle that are subject to a deadline for submission consisting of the same unit of time may be consolidated into a single report that is submitted pursuant to that deadline.

(b) Contents Any reports consolidated under subsection (a) shall contain all information required under this subtitle 1 or an amendment made by this subtitle and any other elements that may be required by existing law.

§ 9269b Waivers, exemptions, and termination

(a) Omitted

(b) Suspension Subject to section 9265 of this title , the President may suspend the application of any provision of or amendment made by this subtitle 1 (other than section 9269d of this title or section 9221b(e) of this title , as added by section 7121 1 of this title) with respect to an entity, individual, or transaction, for renewable periods of not more than 180 days each if, before such a suspension or renewal of such a suspension takes effect, the President submits to the appropriate congressional committees— a certification that— the Government of North Korea has— committed to the verifiable suspension of North Korea’s proliferation and testing of weapons of mass destruction, including systems designed in whole or in part for the delivery of such weapons; and has agreed to multilateral talks including the Government of the United States, with the goal of permanently and verifiably limiting North Korea’s weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs; or the suspension is vital to the national security interests of the United States; and if the President submits a certification under subparagraph (A)(ii), an explanation of the reasons the suspension is vital to the national security interests of the United States.

(c) Termination Subject to section 9265 of this title , any requirement to impose sanctions under this subtitle 1 or the amendments made by this subtitle, and any sanctions imposed pursuant to this subtitle 1 or any such amendment, shall terminate on the date on which the President makes the certification described in section 9252 of this title .

§ 9269c Procedures for review of classified and certain other information

(a) In general If a finding under this subtitle 1 or an amendment made by this subtitle, a prohibition, condition, or penalty imposed as a result of any such finding, or a penalty imposed under this subtitle 1 or an amendment made by this subtitle, is based on classified information (as defined in section 1(a) of the Classified Information Procedures Act (18 U.S.C. App.)), law enforcement information, or any other information protected from disclosure by statute, and a court reviews the finding or the imposition of the prohibition, condition, or penalty, the Secretary of the Treasury may submit such information to the court ex parte and in camera.

(b) Rule of construction Nothing in this section shall be construed to confer or imply any right to judicial review of any finding under this subtitle 1 or an amendment made by this subtitle, any prohibition, condition, or penalty imposed as a result of any such finding, or any penalty imposed under this subtitle 1 or an amendment made by this subtitle.

§ 9269d Exception relating to importation of goods

(a) In general The authorities and requirements to impose sanctions authorized under this subtitle 1 or any amendment made by this subtitle shall not include the authority or requirement to impose sanctions on the importation of goods.

(b) Good defined In this section, the term “good” means any article, natural or manmade substance, material, supply or manufactured product, including inspection and test equipment, and excluding technical data.