US nuclear export policy updated to facilitate trade
The US Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA) has updated a Federal regulation that governs the export of unclassified nuclear technology and assistance.
One of the significant changes to the regulation is the addition of Vietnam as a generally authorised destination for the transfer of nuclear technology and assistance following the Vietnam – US Agreement for Civil Nuclear Co-operation, further opening the door for enhanced nuclear trade between the two countries.
The final rule was published in the Federal Register on February 23 and will go into effect on March 25, 2015. It will allow civil nuclear trade by ensuring that nuclear technology and assistance exported from the US will be used for peaceful purposes only.
The revision was initiated by DOE/NNSA in 2011, and this final version takes into account comments received from industry, academia and other interested parties during the four-year process.
Recognising the importance of nuclear technology in today's society, DOE/NNSA has adapted the regulation to ensure the peaceful use of nuclear power and the expanded use of nuclear technology worldwide, according to a press release distributed by the US Embassy in Hanoi.