Introduction of Designated Organization to Safeguards Implementation in Japan

The amendment of Japan’s national Nuclear Laws and Regulations necessary to accommodate the implementation of the Protocol Additional to Japan’s Safeguards Agreement with the IAEA also contained the provision whereby the Prime Minister may designate a non-governmental organization(s) to carry out safeguards inspections on behalf of the Government. The Nuclear Material Control Center became a Designated Organization on 27 December 1999. This paper addresses the role of NMCC in the implementation of safeguards in Japan with specific emphasis on how that role is expanding through the recent actions by the Government.