Seoul: South Korea announced Thursday a list of components and chemicals used in solid-fuel ballistic missile development to be monitored for exports to North Korea, a move aimed at curbing its missile production following the launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).

According to Yonhap News Agency, the announcement came hours after the South Korean military reported that North Korea had fired what appeared to be a new type of solid-fuel ICBM on a lofted trajectory into the East Sea earlier in the day.

The new measure introduces enhanced monitoring of the export of 15 items related to solid-fuel missile development. These items include solid propellant, missile bodies, combustion chambers, and propulsion systems, which North Korea reportedly struggles to produce independently, the government stated in a press release.

The list of monitored items also encompasses chemicals such as ammonium perchlorate, sodium chloride, and carbon fiber. Additionally, components like carbon cylinder, natural r
ubber, thermal batteries, and X-ray machines are included.

These designated items will be prohibited from being exported to North Korea through third countries. The South Korean government plans to collaborate with key partner countries to ensure these items are integrated into each country’s export controls against North Korea, as noted by the foreign ministry.

The ministry emphasized, “We believe that if these items are reflected in the export control lists in various countries, in accordance with U.N. Security Council resolutions, it could contribute to enhancing the level of sanctions implementation against North Korea by the international community.”