IAEA Strengthens Nuclear Supply Chain Against Counterfeit Items

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has completed a significant research project aimed at enhancing the resilience of the global nuclear supply chain against counterfeit, fraudulent, and suspect items (CFSIs), which pose serious risks to nuclear safety and security. This Coordinated Research Project involved experts from 11 countries and focused on six key areas including improving procurement practices and addressing challenges in international information sharing due to confidentiality, litigation fears, and national security restrictions. The project resulted in new tools, strategies, policy recommendations, and publications designed to detect and deter CFSIs, thereby reducing the likelihood of nuclear security events caused by counterfeit components. Experts emphasized the growing relevance of this work amid increasing challenges in global supply chains, highlighting the need for long-term improvements and policy advancements. The IAEA stressed the critical importance of ensuring the integrity of every component in the nuclear sector to prevent malfunctions, safety failures, and vulnerabilities to sabotage or espionage. This collaborative effort underscores the shared international concern about CFSIs and the necessity for enhanced cooperation and transparency to protect nuclear infrastructure worldwide.