Modernizing Package Certification Requirements

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is proposing to amend its regulations governing the packaging and transportation of radioactive material. This proposed action is responsive to several executive orders and the NRC's mission to enable the safe and secure use of nuclear materials in an efficient and reliable manner. The proposed amendments would establish voluntary provisions to provide greater flexibility for applicants by introducing risk-informed methodologies for demonstrating safety requirements and by providing an alternative radiation standard for approval of Type B packages for certain exclusive use shipments. The proposed rule would streamline application processes for package approval, remove unnecessary requirements, and clarify existing provisions.