*EPF505 09/17/2004
Fact Sheet: U.S. Leads Efforts to Control High-Risk Radioactive Materials
(Nuclear Regulatory Commission proposes improved control measures) (450)

The United States leads efforts to strengthen controls over radioactive materials that could be used by terrorists to make radioactive "dirty bombs," according to the Department of State.

The Departments of State and Energy, as well as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), are working to promote stronger international controls of radioactive materials. These controls were discussed at the 2003 G8 Evian Summit and again at the 2004 Sea Island Summit.

To date, U.S. efforts have yielded significant progress, including the revision of the International Atomic Energy Agency Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources, the department said in a fact sheet released September 16.

As part of the U.S. commitment to keep high-risk materials out of terrorists' hands, the NRC has proposed regulatory changes to strengthen American licensing requirements on relevant imports and exports.

Following is the State Department fact sheet:

(begin fact sheet)

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
September 16, 2004

Strengthening International Import and Export Controls for Radioactive Sources and Materials

Recognizing the need to address the threat of radiological terrorism, the United States has led international efforts to strengthen the control of radioactive sources and materials globally, including those sources that could be used in a radioactive dispersal device or "dirty bomb." To date, United States efforts have yielded significant progress, including the revision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources (Code). At the Sea Island Summit in June, the G8 Leaders agreed to import/export controls for radioactive sources. In July, an International Atomic Energy Agency expert group representing 41 countries finalized international import/export guidance for high-risk radioactive sources and was approved September 14, by the International Atomic Energy Agency Board of Governors.

In support of these international efforts, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is proposing regulatory changes strengthening domestic licensing requirements for the import and export of high-risk radioactive sources and materials. These revisions to 10 CFR [Code of Federal Regulations] Part 110 will bring U.S. import/export controls in line with the revised Code and international import/export guidance.

United States agencies, including State, Energy, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission continue to work together to strengthen international controls over high-risk radioactive sources, a key initiative of the G8 Evian and Sea Island Summits. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission's diligence and proactive posture further amplify the United States commitment, domestically and abroad, to keep high-risk radioactive sources out of the hands of terrorists. Moreover, such early action enables the United States to continue to lead the world by example.

(end fact sheet)

(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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