This post was updated on 03.05.16 to include comment from Germany’s customs office.

Visitors to North Korea often post pictures of the country’s tourist facilities, which usually include at least one fully stocked bar. Despite the North’s claims on the restorative properties of some of the domestic brews, tour groups photos and even those released by state media normally show shelves stocked with foreign made whiskies, wines and beers.

On paper, the source of the alcohol is relatively surprising. Trade figures show that while China by far ships the most booze to the DPRK, in recent years North Korea has recently