The Nuclear Safeguards (EU Exit and Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2026

The Nuclear Safeguards (EU Exit and Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2026, published on legislation.gov.uk, introduce amendments to existing regulations governing nuclear safeguards in Great Britain. The amendments affect operators of qualifying nuclear facilities, requiring them to maintain a system of accountancy and control, record and report specified information, and enable verification by the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR). Fees payable by operators to the ONR for exercising its functions under the amended regulations are also prescribed.

The UK's departure from the EU has necessitated changes to various regulatory frameworks. The Nuclear Safeguards (EU Exit and Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 represent a critical update to existing legislation governing nuclear safeguards in Great Britain. These amendments aim to ensure continued compliance with international obligations, while also addressing fees payable by operators to the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR). This development is significant for practitioners advising on nuclear facilities and related regulatory matters.

The Nuclear Safeguards (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 established a framework for maintaining a system of accountancy and control over qualifying nuclear material. The Nuclear Safeguards (Fees) Regulations 2021 prescribed fees payable by operators to the ONR for exercising its functions under the 2019 Regulations. These regulations were enacted in response to the UK's withdrawal from the EU, which necessitated changes to existing regulatory frameworks. The amendments introduced by the Nuclear Safeguards (EU Exit and Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 build upon these earlier enactments.

The amendments introduced by the Nuclear Safeguards (EU Exit and Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 have significant implications for operators of qualifying nuclear facilities. The requirement to maintain a system of accountancy and control, record and report specified information, and enable verification by the ONR underscores the importance of compliance with international obligations. Practitioners advising on nuclear facilities must familiarize themselves with these amendments to ensure their clients remain compliant with regulatory requirements. Furthermore, the prescribed fees payable by operators to the ONR for exercising its functions under the amended regulations will impact operational costs.

The Nuclear Safeguards (EU Exit and Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 introduce critical updates to existing legislation governing nuclear safeguards in Great Britain. Practitioners advising on nuclear facilities must familiarize themselves with these amendments to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, it is essential for practitioners to remain vigilant and adapt their advice accordingly.