Nuclear Suppliers Group Assurances for U.S. Imports

The Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) is a group of nuclear supplier countries which seeks to contribute to the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons through the implementation of Guidelines for nuclear exports and nuclear related exports. The NSG desires Atoms for Peace and not for non-peaceful activities. The NSG Guidelines are consistent with, and complement, the various international, legally binding instruments in the field of nuclear non-proliferation, again, fostering Atoms for Peace. Government-to-government assurances are required for especially designed or prepared nuclear transfers – technology and material - and are based on the fundamental principles: prohibition on nuclear explosives, Safeguards, Physical Security, and controls on Retransfers. Periodically, the U.S. Government receives requests from other governments for shipments of material, equipment, or technology. The U.S. State Department receives the incoming import case request from a foreign embassy and then the NRC sends out the request to the interested company. Once the NRC receives written confirmation, in accordance with the NSG Guidelines for the transfer of nuclear material, equipment, and technology, INFCIRC/254/Part 1 (the Trigger List), from the company, the State Department will then forward a diplomatic note to the requesting foreign government providing the required U.S. assurances according to the NSG Guidelines. This government-to-government process of granting assurances, ensures that nuclear trade for peaceful purposes does not contribute to the proliferation of nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices, and that continued and monitored international trade and cooperation in the nuclear field is not unduly hindered in the process. This closely coordinated exchange of assurances among NSG countries allows for the peaceful use of atoms for the good of society.