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 Guidancewas 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
