Progress in the Implementation of Strengthened Safeguards System in Japan

The Additional Protocol to Japan’s safeguards Agreement with the IAEA (Agency) entered into force on 16 December 1999. This paper addresses four elements of the process intended to assure smooth and effective implementation: • changes in Japan’s national safeguards inspection system that includes designation of an independent organization to carry out inspections on behalf of the Government; • implementation trials, in conjunction with the Agency, carried out at two large research centers prior to entry into force of the Additional Protocol; • preparation of the initial expanded declaration required under Article 2 of the Additional Protocol; and • fora for increasing cooperation between Japan and the Agency.