FMCT-Purpose and Scope of Verification Activities

The proposed Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT) is one of the most important items on the Multilateral disarmament and non-proliferation agenda. successful achievement of an FMCT would be an important step towards the goal of eliminating nuclear weapons. Taking a focused approach to verification of an FMCT as the point of departure, this paper discusses the purpose and scope of verification activities as specific types of nuclear fuel cycle facilities. the discussion covers fissile-material-production facilities (enrichment and reproccessing plants), associated R&D facilities, and downstream nuclear fuel cycle facilities that may handle fissile material produced after entry-into-force of an FMCT. The paper also discusses the relationship between FMCT verification and IAEA safeguards This paper reflects the views of the authors and does not necessarily represent Australian Government policy.