How Is Radioactive Material Transported Safely and Securely?

Every year, millions of shipments of radioactive material are transported by land, air and sea. These materials are crucial for medicine, industry, research, agriculture and energy production. Because radioactive material can be hazardous to people and the environment if not properly handled, its transport requires careful planning in compliance with international safety standards and security measures. 

Radioactive material supports many activities that improve lives around the world. Only a limited number of specialized facilities produce these materials, so safe and secure transport is essential to make their use possible anywhere they are needed. 

• In medicine, various radioisotopes are used to diagnose and treat cancers, heart disease and bone disorders, to provide radiotherapy and to sterilize medical instruments. Regular transport of these radioactive materials to medical facilities makes up the majority of all radioactive material shipments worldwide and is essential for global healthcare.  
• The progress of scientific research relies on the delivery of radioactive material to universities, laboratories and research institutions. Short-lived radionuclides are vital for experiments in physics, biology and environmental sciences, while gamma sources are used to study the effects of radiation on cells, tissues and industrial materials and for preserving cultural artefacts.  
• In industrial sectors such as construction, energy, mining and manufacturing, radioactive material is essential for non-destructive testing and examination of pipelines, machinery and structural elements. 
• Some high‑tech industries such as electronics and engineering need to transport naturally radioactive raw materials to extract useful non‑radioactive metals from them, such as titanium, niobium, tantalum and rare earth elements. 
• For nuclear power plants to produce reliable low-carbon energy, uranium, plutonium and other radioactive materials are transported at different stages of the nuclear fuel cycle, from production to spent fuel management. Waste and decommissioned components from nuclear facilities also require transport to specialized recycling and disposal facilities. 
• Radioisotopes are transported for use in agriculture and food safety. They are used to help improve crop yields, optimize fertilizer use and irradiate food to eliminate harmful bacteria. 

Whatever the area of application, radioactive material is transported with the strict application of safety and security measures to ensure that people and the environment are protected from harmful effects of ionizing radiation and to prevent accidents and malicious acts.

What modes of transport are used for radioactive material? 

Radioactive material can be dispatched by land, water or air, depending on the availability and urgency of delivery. For each mode of transport, specific handling and containment conditions apply.  

On land, conveyances carry packages categorized by the type of radioactive material being transported.  Maritime transport is used for large international shipments, with packages securely stowed on vessels in line with maritime safety rules. Air transport is often chosen for time-sensitive deliveries, such as medical isotopes. 

Who is involved in radioactive material transport?  

Shipments of radioactive material involve close cooperation among many actors.

Consignors, carriers and consignees ensure that security arrangements for the shipment are in place to prevent unauthorized access to the radioactive material during transport. Together, these actors ensure radioactive material is transported safely and securely.

The transport of radioactive material follows a set of international rules that applies to all modes of transport by road, rail, sea or air. These rules define how materials must be packaged, labelled, handled and documented to protect people and the environment. 

The regulations set clear requirements for:  

• containment to prevent leakage and contamination, 
• shielding to limit radiation doses to transport workers and the public, 
• resistance to heat generated by the radioactive material itself or external factors, and 
• prevention of any nuclear chain reaction in fissile materials during transport. 

These regulations also establish requirements for package design and testing; safety measures for loading, securing and safely spacing packages during transport; as well as training and emergency preparedness for those involved. 

National authorities incorporate these global safety principles into their own laws so that wherever a shipment travels, it follows the same high standards. This consistent approach ensures that radioactive material can be transported safely and securely across borders and between different modes of transport. 

By meeting the highest standards at every step of transport operations, countries help ensure that these vital materials reach their destination safely and securely. These operations and controls include proper handling, segregation, stowage and radiation monitoring throughout loading, carriage and unloading activities.

Safe Packaging for the Transport of Radioactive Material 

Packaging plays a central role in the safe transport of radioactive material. It is designed and rigorously tested to limit radiation exposure and prevent any release of radioactive material under normal conditions or, for some types, due to accidents such as drops, fire or immersion in water. 

Packaging design varies according to the radioactivity and type of contents, following a graded approach: stronger protection is used when the potential hazard is higher.

Package types for radioactive materials

Some materials, like uranium hexafluoride or fissile material (such as uranium-233, uranium-235, plutonium-239 and plutonium-241), require additional safety features because of their chemical properties (for example, if the material is also flammable or corrosive) or increased criticality risks. Unlike most radioactive materials, certain fissile materials can become critical and sustain a nuclear chain reaction if they are present in the wrong amount or configuration. Because of this increased chain reaction risk, additional precautions through design and operational control are required to ensure that such conditions cannot occur during transport.  

Read more about uranium here.

While safety measures focus on preventing accidents and radiation exposure, security measures during transport protect radioactive material against unauthorized access and malicious acts such as theft or sabotage. 

Transport security arrangements also follow a graded approach: they are based on the level of risk and take into account the quantity and physical and chemical properties of the radioactive material, its packaging and the mode of transport. Security measures aim to detect potential threats in a timely manner, to hinder malicious acts by creating obstacles, and to prepare security officers to respond effectively to neutralize the threat and mitigate the damage. 

Security arrangements may include route planning, secure storage during stops, background checks for personnel, communication protocols and real-time tracking of shipments. Security also relies on cooperation among transport operators, national authorities and border agencies. Security measures work alongside safety measures to ensure that radioactive material is protected at all times during transport. 

Although accidents involving the transport of radioactive material are very rare, emergency preparedness and response are crucial. Measures are in place so that, even in an unexpected situation, people and the environment remain protected. 

Being prepared 

Before any shipment of radioactive material is transported, emergency plans are developed based on the level of risk. These plans follow a graded approach, meaning that the level of preparation matches the potential hazard. Consignors and carriers must have emergency arrangements in place, and regular training, drills and exercises are carried out to make sure that everyone involved knows what to do in case of an incident. 

Working together 

Effective emergency response depends on coordination. Consignors, carriers, local response services and national authorities work together in clearly defined roles under national emergency arrangements. Communication and decision-making follow an organized system so that actions are carried out quickly and safely across different regions and transport modes. 

 Responding to an incident  

If an incident occurs during the transport of radioactive material, the emergency response focuses on taking quick action to protect people and the environment. The first step is to manage any radiological hazards by checking radiation levels, preventing the spread of contamination and securing damaged packages. Response actions are based on clear indicators, such as increased radiation levels or visible package damage. Trained radiation specialists are available as part of emergency arrangements to provide guidance and support the safe and secure recovery of the material. 

Strong IAEA safety standards and security guidance plus effective international cooperation enable radioactive material to be transported worldwide to support medicine, research, industry and energy — while keeping people and the environment safe. 

• The IAEA develops and updates safety standards and nuclear security guidance and helps countries design and implement a robust national nuclear safety and security regime for the transport of radioactive material.  
• Since 1961, the IAEA has established and maintains Regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material. These regulations have been adopted globally, applicable to all modes of transport. 
• The IAEA provides countries, institutional and industrial stakeholders and the general public with information and a platform for discussion on issues related to radioactive material transport, for example at the International Conference on the Safe and Secure Transport of Nuclear and Radioactive Material in March 2026. 
• The IAEA provides courses and training on safe and secure transport of radioactive material on its e-learning platform.  
• The IAEA’s Incident and Emergency Centre is the global focal point for international emergency preparedness, communication and response to nuclear and radiological incidents and emergencies.  
• The IAEA assists in resolving transport challenges, including cases where shipment of radioactive material is delayed or denied due to regulatory complexity, radiation concerns, knowledge gaps, societal pressures or logistical constraints. 
• The IAEA promotes cooperation and regulatory harmonization, provides training and builds national capacity. The IAEA also maintains an updated list of National Focal Points and Competent Authorities.