The Nuclear Regulatory Commission issues export licenses for nuclear materials and equipment under 10 CFR Part 110, while the Department of Energy authorizes exports of special nuclear material and certain technology. Both agencies coordinate with the State Department to ensure compliance with US nonproliferation policy and applicable bilateral 123 Agreements.

A 123 Agreement is a bilateral nuclear cooperation agreement required by Section 123 of the Atomic Energy Act before the US can transfer nuclear material or technology to a foreign country for civilian use. Without a current, in-force 123 Agreement with the destination country, US nuclear fuel exports are generally prohibited regardless of the commercial terms of the transaction.