New IAEA Publication on the Security of Nuclear and Other Radioactive Material in Transport

A new IAEA publication on the security of nuclear and other radioactive material in transport has been released.

"It is essential that nuclear and other radioactive material is managed securely and is properly protected against criminal or intentional unauthorized acts during their transport," said Heather Looney, Head of the Nuclear Security of Materials and Facilities Section in the IAEA's Division of Nuclear Security. "Transport-related incidents account for more than 50 per cent of all thefts reported to the IAEA's Incident and Trafficking Database since 1995, which highlights the importance of strengthening transport security measures," she added.

The publication is designed to assist countries in establishing robust transport security measures against potential threats such as theft or sabotage. Such measures range from administrative procedures, to protecting the confidentiality of transport routes and operations, to the physical protection of shipments.

The guidance is aimed at those responsible for transport security, including law enforcement, customs and border control, intelligence and security agencies, as well as operators, shippers and others.

Both domestic and international transport are covered by the guidance, as well as all modes of transportation, including road, rail, sea, inland waterways and air. As part of the IAEA's Nuclear Security Series, it promotes an internationally consistent approach to the secure transport of nuclear and other radioactive material. Additionally, it serves as a valuable resource for shippers and carriers, helping them develop appropriate transport security systems.

The publication offers detailed guidance on categorizing nuclear and other radioactive material from a nuclear security perspective and addresses the interface between nuclear safety and security measures. It also outlines a country's responsibilities in establishing a regulatory framework for transport security, highlighting the importance of communication during transport, training and qualification of personnel, secure measures for the conveyance and escort of shipments and the role of transport control centres.

The publication builds on available nuclear security guidance, including Nuclear Security Recommendations on Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and Nuclear Facilities and Nuclear Security Recommendations on Radioactive Material and Associated Facilities.

The new publication is available free of charge here. Further information on the IAEA's Nuclear Security Series, including resources in six languages, can be found here.