New reporting and record-keeping obligations for holders of uranium, plutonium-239 and thorium now in force

Plain-language summary · AI-assisted · not legal advice

Anyone in possession of uranium, plutonium-239, or thorium must now file annual inventory reports with the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) detailing the items held, their masses, and their chemical and physical forms. Any inventory change must also be reported to the CNSC within one business day. Those conducting nuclear fuel cycle-related research, development, or manufacturing under a safeguards agreement must file a yearly activity report by March 15. Supporting records must be kept for the duration of possession and for five years after ceasing to hold the material or conduct the activities. Exemptions apply for naturally occurring uranium or thorium in soil, rock or ore, materials merely in transit through Canada, and materials in a non-nuclear end-use form that is practicably irrecoverable. All persons subject to these reporting requirements must also allow verification activities by both the CNSC and the IAEA. Separately, the rule requiring a licence to be presented to a customs officer on import or export now applies only to nuclear substances and prescribed equipment, no longer covering prescribed information.

Who this affects: nuclear licensees importing or exporting nuclear substances or prescribed equipment · holders of uranium, plutonium-239 or thorium · operators conducting nuclear fuel cycle research and development · nuclear-related manufacturers · facilities subject to IAEA safeguards agreements