The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) has published refreshed guidance to help operators comply with the updated Nuclear Safeguards (EU Exit and Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2026.
The amended regulations came into effect in July and represent a significant update to the UK's nuclear safeguards regime.
Nuclear safeguards are measures to verify that countries comply with international obligations not to use nuclear materials from civil nuclear programmes for non-peaceful purposes.
Key changes include modernising safeguards reporting requirements, with operators transitioning from Basic Technical Characteristics to internationally standardised International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Design Information Questionnaires.
There are also new requirements for operators relating to facility changes and repurposed facilities, and updated reporting timescales.
Alongside these operational changes, the regulations provide further clarity on ONR's enforcement powers, giving the regulator improved ability to impose, amend and withdraw particular safeguards provisions, as well as clarifying its cost recovery powers.
ONR’s updated guidance documents for operators include its Safeguards TIG and TAG, the Nuclear Material Accountancy TAG and ONR’s Nuclear Material Accountancy, Control, and Safeguards Assessment Principles.
Alan Homer, ONR’s Head of Nuclear Safeguards, said: “We’ll continue to work closely with operators and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero to ensure a smooth transition to implementation.
“We’d encourage operators to read the updated guidance in full and send any questions to UKSO@onr.gov.uk.”