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Introduction to the UK Nuclear Safeguards

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), is responsible for the UK Government input into the development of the international nuclear safeguards regimes. This aims to ensure that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), safeguards regime is technically equipped to provide the assurances demanded of it by the international community (e.g. to develop and implement new safeguards strengthening measures), and also to ensure that nuclear non-proliferation policy properly reflects safeguards and verification-related considerations. The DTI is responsible for funding a support programme to the IAEA’s safeguards activities and has provided support to help improve standards of nuclear material accountancy and control at Russian nuclear facilities. It also maintains an involvement in international safeguards-related organisations such as the European Safeguards Research and Development Association (ESARDA) and the Institute of Nuclear Materials Management (INMM).

Responsibility for overseeing compliance with the UK commitment to the international safeguards regimes belongs to the UK Safeguards Office at the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).