The US, backed by China, has submitted a draft resolution to the United Nations (UN) Security Council aimed at imposing tougher sanctions on North Korea.
Photo: AFP
It comes in response to North Korea's recent nuclear test and missile launch.
The measures would for the first time require UN member states to inspect all cargo to or from North Korea.
The US ambassador to the UN, Samantha Power, said it would be the strongest set of sanctions imposed by the Security Council in more than 20 years.
A vote is expected at the weekend.
North Korea's launch of a long-range rocket in February and a nuclear test in January were widely condemned as a flagrant violation of UN resolutions.
China also condemned North Korea's actions but it has previously been reluctant to endorse sanctions that could threaten its neighbour's stability.
"For the first time in history, all cargo going in and out of the DPRK (North Korea) would be subjected to mandatory inspection," Ms Power said after presenting the draft resolution measure to the Security Council.
"These sanctions, if adopted, would send an unambiguous and unyielding message to the DPRK regime. The world will not accept your proliferation. There will be consequences for your actions."
-BBC