Modernizing Package Certification Requirements
Published Date: 7/27/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is updating rules for packaging and shipping radioactive materials to make the process safer, faster, and more flexible. These changes affect companies that handle nuclear materials by introducing smarter safety checks and simpler paperwork. Comments on the proposal are open until August 26, 2026, and the updates aim to save time and reduce unnecessary costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Voluntary risk‑informed certification path
If your company applies for NRC package certification, the NRC would let applicants voluntarily use an NRC‑endorsed risk‑informed or performance‑based method (new Sec. 71.41(e)) instead of some prescriptive physical tests in Secs. 71.61, 71.71, and 71.73. Applicants may reference a previously approved methodology or submit one for NRC approval in accordance with Sec. 71.1(a).
Optional higher radiation limit for some shipments
The NRC would add an optional external radiation standard in Sec. 71.47(b)(3) allowing up to 0.5 mSv/h (50 mrem/h) at 2 meters from the vehicle for certain Type B packages shipped under exclusive use and meeting the highway route controlled quantity (HRCQ) definition in 49 CFR 173.403. Licensees must coordinate in advance with Federal, State, or local inspection authorities and this option applies to normal transport conditions in Sec. 71.71.
Illustrative per‑package and industry savings
The NRC estimates a hypothetical reduction of about $25,000 per transport package from reducing shielding by 0.5 inches, and projects an illustrative undiscounted industry savings of $52.5 million over 40 years if 2,102 microreactors come online. The NRC reports an annualized savings example of about $476,377 at a 7% discount rate.
DOT special permit likely required
If you choose to use the NRC's optional higher radiation limit, your shipment could exceed DOT limits (49 CFR 173.441), so a shipper would need to obtain a DOT exception or special permit to transport under DOT rules. The NRC notes this flexibility is voluntary and that DOT coordination is expected.
Use effectively limited to domestic shipments
NRC certification of packages under the proposed higher radiation provisions would be limited to domestic U.S. shipments unless a foreign Competent Authority revalidates the NRC Certificate of Compliance against IAEA SSR‑6; SSR‑6 does not contain a similar higher‑dose provision, so the NRC option would generally be limited to domestic transport.
Align lifting/tie‑down standards with IAEA
The NRC proposes to revise Sec. 71.45 to adopt the IAEA SSG‑26, Rev. 1, Table IV.1 design load values for lifting and tie‑down standards. This alignment is intended to remove discrepancies with international requirements and reduce burden for applicants seeking certification or foreign revalidation.
NRC certifies no significant small‑entity impact
Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act, the NRC certifies that this proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The NRC asks any small entity that believes it would be disproportionately impacted to submit comments describing the burden and suggested modifications.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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