North Korea presents a key challenge to the NPT regime. The DPRK's announcements in 1993 and in 2003 that it had withdrawn from the NPT have led to ongoing uncertainty about its status. Following a series of ballistic missile tests on 5 July 2006 and a nuclear test on 9 October 2006, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) unanimously adopted Resolutions 1695 and 1718, which condemned the DPRK's actions and demanded the DPRK halt its missile programs. In response to North Korea's second nuclear test on 25 May 2009, the UNSC unanimously adopted Resolution 1874 which sent a clear and united signal from the international community that North Korea's actions were unacceptable. The UNSC and the international community also condemned North Korea's failed attempt on 13 April 2012 to launch a satellite using long-range missile technology.

The Australian Government has implemented the United Nations Security Council's trade and financial sanctions against North Korea into Australian law. All persons either having or considering business dealings in connection with North Korea should make themselves aware of the restrictions that apply to such dealings and seek independent legal advice, if required, before making commercial decisions.

For more information on North Korea, including the Six-Party Talks, see the DPRK country pages

For more information on Australia's sanctions applying to North Korea, please see the Sanctions page