Identify the official publication
Security of Nuclear and Other Radioactive Material in Transport is IAEA Nuclear Security Series No. 46-T, publication reference STI/PUB/2090. The IAEA records its publication year as 2024; the English PDF identifies November 2024 as its printing date.
The publication is technical guidance for States and competent authorities, also useful to operators, shippers and carriers with transport security responsibilities. As checked on 12 October 2026, the catalogue continues to list this 2024 publication.
Understand what transport security addresses
The official English text focuses on protection against unauthorized removal and sabotage during transport. It builds on Nuclear Security Series recommendations Nos 13 and 14 and complements the transport guidance in No. 26-G and No. 9-G (Rev. 1).
This makes it a reference for reviewing physical protection responsibilities and the regulatory framework. Its existence does not mean that every radioactive consignment requires an identical set of security measures.
Distinguish guidance from binding requirements
The IAEA editorial note states that Nuclear Security Series guidance is not binding on States. Governments may use it when developing national arrangements and meeting international obligations. Applicable legislation, competent authority decisions and the relevant transport instruments determine a company's requirements.
A compliance review should therefore identify the jurisdictions and transport modes involved, the responsible authorities and the duties assigned to each participant. A reference to NSS 46-T alone is not evidence that a particular shipment is authorized or compliant.
Keep radiological safety and physical protection coordinated
Radiological safety and transport security address different concerns. Safety controls radiation-related hazards; security addresses intentional unauthorized acts. NSS 46-T includes discussion of their interfaces, so reviews should consider how responsibilities and procedures interact.
By October 2026, the IAEA safety standards register lists SSR-6 (Rev. 2), 2025 Edition, superseding the 2018 IAEA edition. That publication history does not by itself establish which edition has been incorporated into each country's law or modal transport rules.
Use the reference in a controlled business review
Record the guidance edition separately from the binding rules used for an operation. Bring the relevant safety, security and compliance functions into the review, and keep sensitive shipment information within authorized channels.
For Spain's transport oversight context, see our separate CSN transport article. DGSA advisory services can support the review of applicable references and responsibilities; contact DGSA to define the scope.