The nation’s sand imports from North Korea has resumed partially.

The imports were suspended in April when Pyongyang test-fired a long-range rocket.

A Unification Ministry official said that, on October 27th, the government partially lifted the ban for South Korean importers who paid but could not bring in the sand due to the suspension measure.

For new cases of sand imports, the government will review each deal and will permit the entry of the product on a case-by-case basis.

At present, Seoul tightened sand import rules and required their importers to receive the approval from the unification minister.

Previously, the import item easily entered the country, only requiring a declaration for the customs office at the inter-Korean border.

Last year, sand accounted for the largest portion of inter-Korean trades. However, some raised suspicions that the sales were pocketed by the North Korean military.