MPC&A Program Certification Primer-Certification in Russia

Certification as it relates to the Material Protection Control & Accountability (MPC&A) program in Russia, is the process of obtaining official approval for use of a particular item, technique, or system. Certification is necessary to ensure the full implementation of MPC&A systems in Russian nuclear facilities. The definition and implementation of MPC&A systems in the Russian Federation has recently been standardized through the issuance of a \"System for Certifying Equipment, Devices and Technologies for Nuclear Facilities and Radiation Sources and Storage Sites\", Implementation of the new system is not yet complete, but the defined authorities and interactions between regulatory agencies should significantly improve the certification process. The MPC&A program recently published a \"Certification Primer\", which is intended to provide an overview of certification in Russia as it relates the MPC&A program. The Primer is intended to be used primarily by U.S MPC&A Project Teams t aid in their understanding of certification issues and to facilitate the cost-effective implementation of improved MPC&A programs in Russian Nuclear facilities. The paper outlines the fundamental certification processes in the Russian Federation and gives an update on current status and activities as the relate to MPC&A in the Russian Federation.