A proposal for an international tagging system for radioactive materials

Full text: In an earlier paper based on our experience with lost or abundant radiation sources, we have discussed the need of an international tagging system for radioactive materials for the purpose of insuring trackability, accountability and safety. In this paper we take our discussion further by presenting a proposal of establishing such an international tagging system for radioactive materials which we call ITS-RM. The elements of ITS-RM: IAEA is to be the international authority in charge of ITS-RM; Each 'significant' radiation source is to be labeled with a unique number at the point of production. This number is identified as ITS-RM number; The term 'significant' can be defined in light of current international standards; As each source is naturally possessed by some legal notion or international entity, each time this entity is changed (e.g. the source is sold, resold, transported, decommissioned etc.) the process of changing hand is registered at IAEA via the ITS-RM number; No source is to change hands without triggering ITS-RM; Even if a source finds its way to a waste facility it will remain tagged indefinitely. The requirement for ITS-RM: Legal requirement: this issue needs to be studied to find out weather anew international treaty needs to be established or ITS-RM can be applied under existing treaties; Organizational requirements: This can be easily done with the framework if IAEA and national counterparts; Consultation requirements: ITS-RM can only work if it is done through complete consultation and cooperation with manufactures. Old and current sources: An effort is to be made to survey and tag current sources; Priorities will be given as follows: first to new sources second to current sources the comes last old sources, particularly those in storage facilities; ITS-RM is not to compete with any existing safety system, national or internationally, to the contrary is to support safety. ITS-RM advantages are many but in particular we have: Trackability even if somebody does not cooperate; Accountability of sellers, buyers, users and waste managers; Knowledge about the international holdings of RM's; Ultimate safety from theft from illicit trafficking, lost or abundant sources. ITS-RM Cost: It will have only some minimum cost for the organizational aspect since the IAEA framework is already there. (author)