The role of nuclear material control center and safeguards activities in Japan

The Atomic Energy Basic Law was enacted as early as in 1955 when the activities in the area of nuclear energy research and development started, and from the outset, Japan's nuclear energy was limited exclusively for peaceful purpose. Japan has accepted the IAEA safeguards from the beginning with respect to an IAEA project for the supply of natural uranium, and to the supply of equipment and nuclear or other materials from the bilateral agreement partner countries. The NPT was ratified by Japan in 1976, and the safeguards agreement of the so called INFCIRC/153 type became effective in 1977. It was during the course of preparing to accede to the NPT when the independent non-profit organization - the Nuclear Material Control Center (NMCC) was created with the Government initiatives on April 15th 1972 in Tokyo. Under the INFCIRC/153 type safeguards agreement, the state is required to establish and maintain a system of accounting for and control (SSAC) of all nuclear materials subject to the Agency's Safeguards. The IAEA applies full scope safeguards with respect to all nuclear materials whether supplied by bilateral agreement partner countries or produced or processed indigenously. Application of IAEA safeguards involves the following five major areas: Acquisition of design information on nuclear facilities, Keeping nuclear material accountancy and operation records, Collection of nuclear material accountancy reports, Inspection at facility sites, Evaluation of results of inspection, including analysis of Material Unaccounted For (MUF). Responsibilities to conduct these functions rest primarily with the Japanese Government. However, the technical aspects of these tasks are entrusted with the NMCC. The main purpose of the NMCC is to function as the central organ of the nation's domestic safeguards system under the guidance of and contract with the Science and technology Agency of the Government. The NMCC is commissioned by the Government to process nuclear material accountancy information under authorization from the Government based on the Nuclear Raw Material, Nuclear Fuel Material and Reactor Regulation Law (Nuclear Regulation Law), to analyze samples taken by Government inspectors, and to conduct calibration and maintenance of inspection equipment. In addition to these functions, the NMCC is presently actively engaged in research, development and study in the area of nuclear material control including safeguards and physical protection techniques, promotion of international cooperation, and training of experts and public relations efforts in the area of nuclear material control. Construction and operation of research, test and power have progressed considerably in Japan during the past three and a half decades including 46 nuclear power plants which are under the IAEA safeguards, and various fuel cycle facilities including enrichment plants, fuel fabrication plants, and a small scale reprocessing facility are also under IAEA safeguards among others. Present status of application of safeguards to nuclear materials being used as nuclear fuel in reactors and processed in various commercial or research facilities will also be discussed. Lastly, some statistical data as well as organizational aspects on the SSAC will be given