Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material

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"This new and stronger treaty is an important step towards greater nuclear security by combating, preventing, and ultimately punishing all those who would engage in nuclear theft, sabotage or even terrorism. It demonstrates that there is indeed a global commitment to remedy weaknesses in our nuclear security regime”, Mohamed ElBaradei, Director General, July 2005

On 8 July 2005, States Parties to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM) adopted by consensus an Amendment to the CPPNM.

The Amendment constitutes an important milestone in international efforts to improve the physical protection of nuclear material and facilities. The Amendment is vitally important for nuclear security and will have a major impact in reducing the vulnerability of States Parties to nuclear terrorism.

Whereas the obligations for physical protection under the CPPNM covered nuclear material during international transport, the Amendment extends the scope of the CPPNM to also cover the physical protection of nuclear material in domestic use, in storage and during transport, and of nuclear facilities used for peaceful purposes. It also provides for expanded cooperation between and among States with regard to: implementing rapid measures to locate and recover stolen or smuggled nuclear material, mitigating any radiological consequences of sabotage; and preventing and combating related offences.

On 19 September 2005, the Board of Governors welcomed the Amendment of the CPPNM, urged all States Parties to ratify it and, in the meantime, to act in accordance with its object and purpose pending its entry into force.

The General Conference, in its resolution GC(49)/RES/10.B, also encouraged all States Parties to the CPPNM to ratify the Amendment as soon as possible and to act in accordance with its object and purpose until such time as it enters into force. It also appealed to all States that have not yet done so to adhere to the CPPNM and the Amendment as soon as possible.

The Amendment will enter into force on the thirtieth day after the date on which it has been ratified, accepted or approved by two-thirds of the States Parties to the CPPNM.

Upon request, the IAEA will assist Member States in their efforts to ratify and implement their obligations under the CPPNM and the Amendment thereto.