Advisory, evaluation and response missions
Nuclear security missions, evaluations and technical visits continue to be the Agency’s main
tool for helping States to assess their nuclear security needs, and provide a basis for formulating plans
of action for improving nuclear security.
Such missions have increased the Agency’s understanding of both global and national nuclear security needs. The needs identified by such missions can be subsequently addressed by the State alone, in conjunction with Agency support, or with the assistance of a bilateral partner. The Agency is strengthening its contribution to the coordination of these activities.
IAEA Missions
International Nuclear Security Advisory Service
The International Nuclear Security Advisory Service (INSServ) mission serves as a flexible
mechanism to help identify a State’s broad nuclear security requirements and the measures needed to
meet them. By the end of 2007, 28 States had received INSServ missions. The INSServ Report, once agreed by the host State, serves as the basis for nuclear
security cooperation between the Agency and the State and, with the consent of the State, as a vehicle
for the coordination of bilateral nuclear security assistance.
International Physical Protection Advisory Service
The International Physical Protection Advisory Service (IPPAS) missions continue to serve
as the Agency’s chief tool for evaluating existing physical protection arrangements in Member States.
IPPAS missions carry out detailed reviews of the legal and regulatory basis for the physical protection
of nuclear activities in the requesting State and of compliance with obligations contained in the
CPPNM. They also compare the established national practices with the guidance provided in IAEA
documents as well as with international best practices. The findings of IPPAS missions are
formulated into confidential mission reports for further action on a multilateral, bilateral or unilateral
basis. Specific IPPAS follow-up assistance such as training, technical support and more targeted
assessments constitute an essential feature of this advisory service. By the end of 2007, 28 States had hosted IPPAS missions.
SSAC Advisory Service
The IAEA SSAC Advisory Service (ISSAS) provides requesting national
authorities with recommendations and suggestions for improvements to their State systems for
accountancy and control (SSACs) of nuclear material. By the end of 2007 ISSAS missions had been carried out in 7 States. The missions evaluate the regulatory, legislative, administrative and technical
components of the SSAC at both the State and facility level, and assess how the SSAC meets the
obligations contained in the State’s safeguards agreement and additional protocol as applicable.
International Team of Experts
The Agency continues to convene International Team of Experts (ITE) advisory missions as
a primary mechanism to reach out to States regarding their adherence to or implementation of
international instruments relevant to enhancing protection against nuclear terrorism. ITE missions to 26 States have taken place through 30 June 2008.
Integrated Regulatory Review
Service
During 2006, the Agency introduced a modular evaluation service, the Integrated Regulatory Review
Service (IRRS), to help States to improve the effectiveness of national regulatory bodies and to
implement national safety legislation and regulations. The outcome has the potential to have a beneficial effect
on nuclear security infrastructure.
Integrated Nuclear Security Support Plan
The Integrated Nuclear Security Support Plan (INSSP) attempts a holistic approach to nuclear security capacity-building and is based on findings and recommendations from its range of nuclear security
missions. It is drafted in consultation with individual Member States and tailored to the
country specific needs. The establishment of the INSSP mechanism has brought ad hoc interventions into a
more systematized approach. By the end of 2007, 44 INSSPs were in varying stages of development and completion.
For further information please contact NuclearSecurity@iaea.org
