In the Final Statement of the 2010 Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), States party to the Treaty recognized that International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards are a fundamental component of the nuclear non-proliferation regime, play an indispensable role in the implementation of the Treaty and help to create an environment conducive to nuclear cooperation. The concerted action of States, facility operators and the IAEA are all necessary to achieve an international safeguards system that provides credible assurance of the non-diversion of declared nuclear material and of the absence of undeclared nuclear material and activities while becoming increasingly efficient. Cooperation between the IAEA and States also has the potential to enhance national nuclear material management capabilities, in particular for emerging nuclear States. Effective IAEA-State interactions help to achieve cost efficiency while enhancing the effectiveness of the IAEA safeguards system. Evolution of the safeguards system over the past twenty years has resulted in new safeguards approaches and practices that require effective cooperation and capabilities of safeguards regulatory authorities and facility operators. Recognizing the need for updated guidance, the IAEA is preparing a 'top-level guide' as part of a planned series of guidance documents intended for the some 170 States with comprehensive safeguards agreements in force, over 100 of which also have an additional protocol (AP) in force. The top-level guide, entitled Guide for States Implementing Comprehensive Safeguards Agreements and Additional Protocols, aims to enhance States' understanding of their safeguards-related obligations. It features a comprehensive listing of all the obligations undertaken by the IAEA and States in relation to the implementation of the relevant safeguards agreements, additional protocols, subsidiary arrangements and small quantities protocols to the agreements. More detailed guidance will be issued by the IAEA on specific topics. The series of guides should assist States in establishing effective national systems to meet safeguards requirements, and contribute to their understanding of the IAEA's needs in carrying out its obligations. Through this shared understanding, international safeguards can become more effective, efficient, and less burdensome to all involved. These documents are intended to be used by those responsible for safeguards implementation at regional, State and facility levels, as well as to those involved in the design of new nuclear facilities and processes. This paper summarizes the content and approach adopted by the IAEA for preparing the guidance series; describes the plans for its development, coordination and outreach within the IAEA Department of Safeguards and externally to States; and outlines the anticipated outcomes of its creation and publication.
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