REGDOC-2.13.1, Safeguards and Nuclear Material Accountancy (REGDOC-2.13.1) sets out the information, access and support that licensees are required to provide to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) related to safeguards and nuclear material accountancy.

“Safeguards” refers to an international system of monitoring and verifying nuclear material (generally uranium, thorium and plutonium, excluding ores). Safeguards are implemented in Canada by the CNSC and verified by the IAEA through an agreement made pursuant to Canada’s commitments made under the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. The objective of safeguards is to detect and deter the diversion of nuclear material from peaceful activities to nuclear weapons. 

Who does REGDOC-2.13.1 apply to:

Applicants and licensees who:

• possess nuclear material, 
• operate a uranium and/or thorium mine, 
• carry out specified types of nuclear fuel-cycle related research and development work (see Appendix B of REGDOC-2.13.1), and/or 
• carry out specified types of nuclear-related manufacturing activities (see Appendix A).

What is the purpose of this discussion paper:

This discussion paper describes the CNSC’s planned changes to REGDOC-2.13.1 in order to reflect the proposed safeguards-related amendments to the General Nuclear Safety and Control Regulations. These changes should not impact CNSC licensees that have REGDOC-2.13.1 as part of their licensing basis. A revised REGDOC will additionally provide guidance for:

• licensees who do not have REGDOC-2.13.1 as a licence condition but have been voluntarily complying with safeguards requirements
• all persons who do not require a CNSC licence but:
  • possess nuclear material, 
  • engage in nuclear fuel cycle-related research and development activities, and/or
  • engage in specified nuclear-related manufacturing activities. 

The proposed amendments to the REGDOC also address areas of improvement identified since 2018 with the aim of clarify safeguards requirements and guidance for CNSC licensees. 

This consultation is an opportunity for interested parties to provide feedback on the planned changes and to make additional suggestions on modifications.

Once the public consultation period closes, interested parties will have a further opportunity to review all the comments the CNSC received and provide more input during a feedback period. 

The CNSC will review all the comments received and consider this early feedback when updating the REGDOC.

Key Dates

• Consultation period: April 2, 2024 to June 13, 2024
• Feedback on comments period: June 14, 2024 to June 28, 2024