Nuclear Safeguards (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 and the Nuclear Safeguards (Fees) Regulations 2021: proposed changes
We’re seeking views on the government’s proposed amendments to the Nuclear Safeguards (EU Exit) Regulations.
Nuclear safeguards are a fundamental component of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime and are underpinned by the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (to which the UK is party) and the UK’s bilateral safeguards agreements with the International Atomic Energy Agency. They consist of accounting, inspection, and verification processes which support international commitments that civil nuclear material is not unlawfully diverted into military use.
The Nuclear Safeguards (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (NSR19), along with a suite of other key legislation, underpins the UK’s nuclear safeguards regime.
A light-touch statutory post implementation review of NSR19 was undertaken in 2023. The resulting report made several recommendations to update and improve NSR19, based on feedback from industry and the nuclear regulator – the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR).
The recommendations focussed on specific regulations that should be removed and those which would benefit from greater clarification, as well as relevant consequential amendments, to further enhance operability and address feedback received.
The consultation will set out how we propose to amend NSR19 and the associated Nuclear Safeguards (Fees) Regulations 2021 (‘fees regulations’), to reflect these recommendations and the anticipated impacts on operators.
The objective of the proposed changes is to improve the effectiveness, operability, clarity and consistency of terminology used in the UK’s nuclear safeguards regime, while guaranteeing that the UK can continue to meet its international nuclear safeguards and non-proliferation obligations. The amendments should provide greater clarity on expectations and requirements for operators.
We are seeking views on the impacts of the proposals, and whether they achieve the policy objectives of providing improved operability and effectiveness of the UK’s nuclear safeguards regime.
Read our consultation privacy notice.