Regional Overview of National Reports on Implementation of the Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources: Americas

According to the Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources (the Code) and Guidance on the Import and Export of Radioactive Sources (the Guidance), Americas region States prepared the national reports, described the current status in States with regard to the implementation of the Code and Guidance. From the Americas region, which includes 35 States, 9 national reports were delivered (compared with 8 in 2010). Nineteen States expressed support for the Code (compared with 16 in 2010) and 15 to the Guidance (compared with 10 in 2010). Twenty-two States have designated at least a point of contact. Fourteen States have sent questionnaires and 15 represented in the conference. The information exchange process is voluntary and it is recommended to describe the current circumstances in the State with regard to suggested topics. Three Americas region States followed the default structure and four reported on all recommended topics of Code, some States followed partially, and others did not follow it. It is observed that the following topics are often missing: facilities and services available to persons authorized to manage radioactive sources (para. 9 of the Code); and national strategies for gaining or regaining control over orphan sources. One State submitted its national report even though it has not expressed support of the code. All national reports in the Americas region identify progress, successes, challenges or areas for improvement in their national reports. Security of radioactive sources, information for the public and stakeholders, emergency preparedness are the most often reported parts as the other relevant issues. (author)