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Protecting nuclear and other radioactive material, as well as facilities and activities using such material, against theft and sabotage has become a matter of strong national and international concern. The International Physical Protection Advisory Service (IPPAS) assists States, upon request, in strengthening their national nuclear security regimes, systems and measures.
IPPAS, created by the IAEA in 1995, provides peer advice on implementing international instruments and Agency guidance on the protection of nuclear and other radioactive material, associated facilities and associated activities.
An IPPAS mission compares a State’s existing practices against relevant international instruments and IAEA nuclear security publications. It also includes an exchange of experience and good international practices aimed at strengthening the State’s nuclear security regime. IPPAS missions comprise a national level review of the legal and regulatory framework. Depending on a State’s request, they may also include a review of security systems and measures at facilities and during the transport of nuclear and other radioactive material. IPPAS missions also can cover computer security.
IPPAS missions are conducted by teams of international nuclear security experts. Team members use their extensive experience and international guidance to suggest improvements. Conclusions are made by consensus on the basis of the team’s combined expertise.
The findings of IPPAS missions are reflected in mission reports, which are treated by the IAEA as highly confidential. Upon request, the missions can be complemented by IAEA follow-up assistance, including training, technical support and more targeted assessments of various elements of a State’s national nuclear security regime.