Is there international legislation controlling the security of radioactive materials?
The International Basic Safety Standards for Protection against Ionizing Radiation and for the Safety of Radiation Sources (the ‘BSS’), IAEA Safety Series 115, published in 1996, includes requirements relating to the security of sources. While the security requirements relate to prevention of theft and unauthorised use, they do not specifically consider malicious acts by terrorists. The BSS are binding only on those States that choose to adopt them, or are receiving assistance from IAEA. Revising the BSS would be a major undertaking, so the IAEA is in the process of developing other guidance documents to specifically cover the security of radiation sources. The Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources includes requirements relating to the security of sources. Although the IAEA General Conference has invited Member States to take note of the Code and to consider, as appropriate, means of ensuring its wide application, it is not a legally binding document. The Co
