The NRC's implementation of the Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources: Revision to the NRC's export/import regulations

The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (NRC) regulations governing the export and import of radioactive material are contained in Title 10, Part 110 of the US Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). The NRC is amending its export/ import regulations in 10 CFR Part 110 (Part 110) to reflect recent changes to the nuclear and radioactive material security policies of the Commission and the Executive Branch, and to implement the IAEA's Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources (the Code) for the import and export of radioactive material. The revisions to Part 110 include enhanced tracking of certain exports and imports of radioactive materials through new requirements for specific licences, advanced notification procedures prior to shipment, verification of the recipient facility's licensing status, and review of the adequacy of the receiving country's controls on radioactive sources. The proposed changes to the NRC's export/import regulations in Part 110 apply to radioactive materials when exported or imported in amounts exceeding clearly defined limits. The NRC's limits are based on those contained in the Code, but also include bulk radioactive material. The regulation changes also provide the NRC with flexibility to treat each export and import licence application on a case by case basis, with the ability to accommodate the still evolving domestic and international security measures for radioactive material. The implementation date of this rule would allow a period of six months for exporters and importers to apply for and receive the required specific export and import licences. (author)