Measures to prevent breaches in the security of radioactive materials (from production to disposal), experience with criminal acts involving radioactive materials

The paper takes the position that prevention of breaches in the security of radioactive materials is the most important element in combating illicit trafficking in those materials. It outlines the main requirements for ensuring that the three most important elements in preventing uncontrolled movement of radioactive materials - accounting, control and physical security - are in good order. It emphasizes that these aspects all ultimately derive from appropriate national laws and regulations and from the presence of an effective national regulatory body. Uncontrolled movement, if it occurs, must of course be detected, e.g., at border crossings, and such incidents must be responded to appropriately: Germany's recent record in this regard is described. (author)