[en] Standard tolerance grades for UO₂, pellet dimensions have been redefined for narrower ranges. Application to published data on UO₂ fuel pellets suggested these to conform to tolerance grades IT-8. Detailed geometrical analysis of a hundred localy produced pellets, both as pressed and sintered, suggested that the fabrication procedure adopted yields statistically reproducible pellets. The different possible geometrical defects have been analyzed. The average ovality of as pressed pellets did not exceed 0.2% and rose to no more than 1% on sintering. A noteworthy observation was the variation of ovalities of the two end faces of the same pellet. Variable degrees of concavity or barrel shape were produced in the pellets. In some pellets these defects amounted to 2.7% of the pellet diameter. The pellet dimensions distribution corresponded to a tolerance grade IT 15. However, the attainment of the normal IT-8 tolerance grades would be through a finishing grinding step, that also remedies the minor geometrical imperfections. A control chart has been constructed to define the maximum tolerable cladding tube deflections or alternatively, the minimum clearance for fitting fuel pellets of known length. The relation was found to be independent of tube diameters. (author)