Material Out of Regulatory Control: Facilitating Trade While Preventing Nuclear Smuggling

On 13 November 2019, the VCDNP organised a panel discussion on the “Material out of Regulatory Control: Facilitating Trade While Preventing Nuclear Smuggling”. Twenty-eight diplomats and technical experts from nine International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Member States and four UN agencies attended the event.

Speakers included Mr. Indunil Liyanage (Sri Lanka), Ms. Ethel Ofoegbu (Nigeria), Mr. Charles Massey (IAEA) and Ms. Yanapan Hao (Thailand).

The experts shared their experiences in the development of effective and efficient border control strategies, as well as the strengths and weaknesses in their national capacities to prevent material out of regulatory control (MORC) from being smuggled across borders. They shared success stories and highlighted the support provided by the IAEA and other international partners.

The discussion framed MORC as an issue of global concern and demonstrated the delicate balance between preventing illicit trafficking of nuclear materials and facilitating trade activities without unnecessary burden. The discussion highlighted the challenges to effective border control as they relate to MORC, including the development of effective and efficient detection equipment, sustained capacity building and national coordination. The panel also highlighted the contribution that the IAEA's Coordinated Research Projects make to creating collaborative solutions to challenges Member States face.

Read the full report here.