S. Korea to add 243 more items to export control list for Russia, Belarus

SEOUL: South Korea's industry ministry said Friday it will add 243 more items that can potentially be used for military purposes to the list of products regulated for export to Russia and Belarus. The decision raised the number of such items to 1,402, as South Korea has been tightening its control on shipments of such goods in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The newly listed products include metal-cutting equipment, optical instrument parts and sensors, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. Items on the list are prohibited from being shipped to Russia and Belarus, although the government can grant approval on a case-by-case basis, particularly for business deals made prior to the announcement. The new regulations are expected to be implemented by the end of August after completing the necessary procedures. National Security Adviser Chang Ho-jin recently hinted at expanding export control against Russia after Moscow and Pyongyang signed "the comprehensive strategic treaty" ear lier this month. Source: Yonhap News Agency