US President Barack Obama has issued an executive order imposing "robust new sanctions" on North Korea after its January 6 nuclear test and February 7 rocket launch that used ballistic missile technology.
"These actions are consistent with our longstanding commitment to apply sustained pressure on the North Korean regime," White House spokesman Josh Earnest said in a statement on Wednesday.
"The US and the global community will not tolerate North Korea's illicit nuclear and ballistic missile activities, and we will continue to impose costs on North Korea until it comes into compliance with its international obligations."
The executive order enables the US to implement a UN Security Council resolution passed earlier this month significantly tightening sanctions on North Korea and a new US law on sanctions against the reclusive communist country.
The new sanctions are aimed at stopping North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs by limiting its exports and inspecting all cargo coming in and out of the country.
The resolution passed by the Security Council March 2 also calls for a complete ban on the sale of all conventional weapons and items that could bolster Pyongyang's military.
It also bans the export of certain minerals from the country, prohibits the sale of luxury items to North Korea, and imposes travel bans and asset freezes.
