Federal Register #2026-20336

NRC Rule Expands Exemptions for Certain Nuclear Materials and DOE Contractor Training

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) issued a rule changing licensing exemptions for certain nuclear materials and DOE contractor training activities. - Government buyer: No procurement buyer; this is an NRC regulatory action. The Department of Energy (DOE) is referenced in connection with contractor training activities. - Rule changes: Expands exempt quantities of certain byproduct materials used in medical, academic, and industrial settings, and establishes standing exemptions for qualifying temporary DOE contractor training involving law enforcement, emergency responders, and similar personnel. - Requirements: Exemptions remain subject to quantity limits and safety procedures. Compatible adoption by Agreement States is needed for consistent application in their jurisdictions. - Procurement items: No products, services, quantities, part numbers, OEMs, or commercial vendors are identified.

Description

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is amending regulations covering byproduct, source, and special nuclear material to expand the uses and quantities that may be exempt from licensing. The rule updates exempt quantities for byproduct material, including radionuclides used in medical, academic, and industrial settings. It also establishes standing exemptions for certain temporary DOE contractor training activities involving radioactive materials, subject to specified quantity limits and safety procedures. The direct final rule is effective December 21, 2026, unless significant adverse comments are received by November 4, 2026.

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