Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources
The Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources (the Code) has been strengthened to take account of
international concerns following
the events of September 11, 2001. The text of the revised Code was approved by
the IAEA Board of Governors in September 2003 and in resolution GC(47)/RES/7 the IAEA General Conference welcomed the Board's
approval, while recognizing that the Code is not a legally binding instrument.
The General Conference urged each State to write to the Director General
expressing their full support and endorsement of the Agency's efforts to enhance
the safety and security of radioactive sources, that they are working toward
following the guidance contained in the Code and that they encourage other
countries to do the same.
The Code was published by IAEA in January 2004 and many countries
have written to the Director General, expressing their support for the Code. The
Secretariat has been working with Member States to develop practical guidance on
how to comply with the Code. In this regard the text of Guidance on the Import
and Export of Radioactive Sources was approved by the IAEA Board of Governors in
September 2004, and in resolution GC(48)/RES/10.D the IAEA General Conference welcomed the
Board's approval; endorsed the Guidance while recognizing that it is not legally
binding; encouraged States to act in accordance with the Guidance on a
harmonized basis and to notify the Director General of their intention to do
so.
The Guidance was first published by the IAEA in March 2005 and many countries
have written to the Director General expressing their intent to act in
accordance with the Guidance. In accordance with paragraph 20 of the Guidance,
the text was revised in 2011. The revised
Guidance was published in May 2012. In accordance with paragraphs 4 and 19
of the Guidance, a list of State points of contact is maintained by the
Secretariat. This purpose of this list is primarily for facilitating the import
and export of radioactive sources in accordance with the Code and the Guidance.
Information exchange and lessons learned
Following a request of the IAEA General Conference (GC(49)/RES/9/A9) a formalized
process for a periodic exchange of information and lessons learned and for
the evaluation of progress made by States towards implementing the provisions of
the Code was elaborated upon in June 2006 and subsequently endorsed by the IAEA
Board of Governors. Outcomes
of meetings
Forms to facilitate information exchange
A group of technical and legal experts prepared the text of the attached
model forms to facilitate the exchange of information in relation to the import
and export of Category 1 and 2 sources, pursuant to the IAEA publication on
Guidance on the Import and Export of Radioactive Sources. These forms are
available in six languages and are provided for information only. The IAEA
cannot accept any responsibility for their subsequent use or modification.
- Request to the importing state for consent to import category 1 radioactive
sources or to import Category 1 and 2 sources under exceptional circumstances forms
in English, Arabic,
French,
Russian,
Spanish,
and Chinese
- Request to the importing State for confirmation that the recipient is
authorized to receive and possess Category 2 radioactive sources form
- Notification to the importing state prior to shipment of Category 1 or 2
radioactive sources form
