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North Korea amended its science and technology law on June 10, 2025, introducing stricter penalties for officials who miss targets or falsify progress reports. The revised Law on the Introduction of Scientific and Technological Achievements, now six chapters and 50 articles, replaces the previous five chapters and 47 articles. Chapter 5, titled "guidance and control over the introduction of scientific and technology achievements," was replaced with a new chapter on "legal responsibility."

The amendment emphasizes measurable outcomes, requiring technologies to contribute to updating technical-economic indicators and expanding the variety of products manufactured. Selection criteria now specifically include technologies that contribute to these measurable outcomes. The law also introduces more specific punishments for officials who fail to meet targets, falsely report progress, or manipulate technical documents.

These changes reflect North Korea's increased legal and institutional control across society since the COVID-19 pandemic, with economic and industrial laws increasingly specifying punishments and legal responsibilities.