U.S. Policy and Implications on Nuclear Material and Component Exports

Under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is responsible for licensing exports and imports of nuclear materials, facilities and equipment to ensure these items are used only for peaceful purposes. This authority extends to production and utilization facilities, to special nuclear, source and byproduct materials, to certain nuclear facility components, and to certain other materials, including nuclear grade graphite and deuterium. The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act of 1978, in part, was a legislative framework to ensure effective controls by the U.S. over its exports of nuclear materials and equipment. Thirty-five years ago, the NRC incorporated the U.S. policy to facilitate nuclear cooperation for countries that share U.S. nonproliferation goals. At the time, the NRC streamlined their regulations to enable generic peaceful use assurances to countries that share good nonproliferation credentials and to develop criterion for exports of nuclear material and components under a general license. These provisions continue to be effectively implemented today that benefit U.S. nonproliferation objectives by demonstrating to countries abroad the advantages of supporting effective nonproliferation policies. Furthermore, use of generic assurances and general licenses conform to the Non-Proliferation Act of 1978 with respect to confirming the reliability of the U.S. as a supplier of nuclear equipment and material to countries which adhere to effective nonproliferation policies.