International Programs
The NRC's international programs include a wide array of activities that support the NRC's mission, as well as broader U.S. Government's initiatives to ensure the safe and secure use of nuclear materials. The Commission's 2014 International Policy Statement affirmed that international activities are integral to the NRC's public health and safety and common defense and security mission and directly support U.S. foreign policy objectives.
Several NRC international activities are mandated by U.S. law or international treaties and conventions; others are discretionary. For example, the NRC is the U.S. licensing authority for exports and imports of nuclear materials and equipment. In addition, the NRC cooperates closely with a variety of regulatory partners to share operating experience, good practices, and lessons learned for mutual benefit. The NRC actively participates in international working groups and provides capacity building support to international partners to develop effective regulatory organizations and enforce rigorous safety standards and security guidance.
Some activities are carried out within the programs of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA), or other international organizations. Others are conducted directly with foreign counterparts pursuant to regulatory and research cooperation agreements.