On December 16, 2025, it was reported that officials from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) visited North Korea for a technical audit. This audit, part of the IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS), was conducted to evaluate North Korea’s compliance with its obligations as a member state since joining in 1986. The visit took place in mid-November and included meetings with the North’s national maritime agency and site inspections.
The significance of this visit is heightened by North Korea’s ongoing restrictions on the entry of international organizations, despite having eased some border controls post-COVID-19. The IMO’s visit was seen as an exception, likely necessary for North Korea to maintain its maritime operations and adhere to international regulations.
This marked the first instance of UN-affiliated personnel entering North Korea since a visit by the director general of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in July of the previous year. The IMO, as a specialized UN agency, plays a crucial role in promoting international maritime safety and environmental protection standards.
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