The UK is a signatory to various international treaties and conventions which place legally binding obligations on the UK to demonstrate compliance. The Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM) is the international treaty covering nuclear security. The CPPNM, strengthened by its Amendment, is the only international legally binding undertaking covering the physical protection of nuclear material and of nuclear facilities used for peaceful purposes.
UK obligations set out by the CPPNM are to:
- Ensure the physical protection of all nuclear facilities and nuclear material used for peaceful purposes under its jurisdiction;
- Identify criminal offences including nuclear material smuggling and sabotage of nuclear materials and facilities; and
- Enhance international cooperation, including assistance and information sharing in the event of sabotage.
The UK legal instrument to meet its obligations is the Nuclear Industries Security Regulations 2003 (as amended) (NISR). ONR’s regulatory framework which provides guidance on these legal requirements are set out in the Security Assessment Principles (SyAPs).