Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources: Commitment in Action

The Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources is a legally non-binding international instrument. It was approved by the IAEA Board of Governors in 2003, followed later by the Guidance on the Import and Export of Radioactive Sources and the Guidance on the Management of Disused Radioactive Sources.

To date, 153 States have expressed political commitment to the Code of Conduct, 140 to the Guidance on the Import and Export, and 78 to the Guidance on the Management of Disused Radioactive Sources with the most recent commitment provided by Uganda in April of this year.

"This meeting provides an important opportunity to reflect on the significant progress achieved, while also looking ahead to the challenges that remain," said Isabel Villanueva Delgado, Technical Director of the Nuclear Safety Council in Spain and Chair of the meeting, noting that increased reporting by Member States, stronger regulatory frameworks and enhanced control of radioactive sources demonstrate a growing global commitment to safety and security. "At the same time, important challenges remain, particularly in the management of disused sources, the availability of long-term storage solutions, and the resources needed to sustain effective regulatory oversight. International cooperation remains at the heart of this effort, enabling countries to share knowledge, build capacity and learn from one another's experiences," she added.