IAEA Practical Approach to Security of Nuclear and other Radioactive Material in Transport

All Member States with nuclear power programs or research reactors possess nuclear material and virtually all Member States possess and use other radioactive material, e.g. radioactive sources for medical, industrial and other non-nuclear applications. During the life-cycle of these materials, safe and security transport is required. With several million shipments of nuclear and other radioactive materials taking place all over the world every year, security during transport is one of the most complex aspects of physical protection. Transport of these materials takes place in the public domain outside of secured facilities, often involves international transfers and multiple national and international stakeholders, and results in multiple security interfaces that must function seamlessly for continuous security.In recent years, perception of the risk involved in transporting nuclear and other radioactive material has shifted emphasis from a safety-based approach to recognizing the need to also address security as a priority. It is important to recognize Member States’ needs for assistance and guidance on how to develop an effective and efficient security regime for transport of these materials. The IAEA’s transport security program assists Member States, upon request, in strengthening transport security arrangements through practical implementation of the necessary recommendations into their national frameworks.