New Rules for Tracking Nuclear Materials in Canada
Official title: REGDOC-2.13.1, Safeguards and Nuclear Material Accountancy
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission is updating its rules for how nuclear facilities track and report their uranium, plutonium, and thorium. These rules help Canada meet its international commitments to prevent nuclear weapons proliferation. The document replaces guidance from 2010 and will apply to anyone who possesses nuclear material, operates uranium or thorium mines, or does nuclear-related research and manufacturing.
Why This Matters
This is highly technical and won't affect most Canadians directly. But if you work at a nuclear facility, uranium mine, or research lab handling nuclear materials, these rules govern your daily operations. The broader goal? Making sure nuclear material in Canada stays accounted for and doesn't end up where it shouldn't.
What Could Change
Nuclear facilities will need to update their safeguards programs to meet new documentation requirements. The rules clarify how materials are classified into groups, what reports must be filed, and when the International Atomic Energy Agency can inspect. Facilities handling more than 1 kilogram of nuclear material face the strictest requirements.
Key Issues
- How should nuclear materials be classified for tracking purposes?
- What safeguards programs must licensees maintain?
- What access must be provided to international inspectors?
How to Participate
- Review the regulatory document to understand the proposed requirements for safeguards programs.
- Submit your feedback to safeguards-garanties@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca by the deadline.