The Japanese Cabinet approved a special bill on Friday that allows for cargo inspections of North Korean ships.

The measure is in line with U.N. Security Council sanctions that were adopted following Pyongyang's second nuclear test in May.

Under the new bill, the Japan Coast Guard and customs officials will conduct inspections on North Korean ships coming in and out of Japan.

The bill did not include, however, the Japan Maritime Self Defense Forces supporting the inspections, which was a provision backed by Tokyo's former ruling Liberal Democratic Party.

The Japanese parliament plans to follow suit by approving the bill during the ongoing extraordinary Diet session.