US blacklists 8 North Korean entities

The action also prohibits all transactions between US citizens and the entities, according to a statement from the Treasury Department.

The move came as the United States prepared for another round of multilateral talks in Beijing aimed at ending North Korea's nuclear weapons programs.

"Proliferators of WMD often rely on front companies to mask their illicit activities and cover their tracks," said Stuart Levey, the Treasury's undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence.

"Today's action turns a spotlight on eight firms involved in WMD proliferation out of North Korea. We will continue to expose and designate these dangerous actors," he said.

Among those blacklisted were Hesong Trading Corporation and Tosong Technology Trading Corporation, whose parent company is Korea Mining Development Corporation.

The remaining six Pyongyang-based companies belong to parent company Korea Ryonbong General Corporation.

They include Korea Complex Equipment Import Corporation, Korea International Chemical Joint Venture Company, Korea Kwangsong Trading Corporation, Korea Pugang Trading Corporation, Korea Ryongwang Trading Corporation, and Korea Ryonha Machinery Joint Venture Corporation.