Enriched Uranium, Plutonium, and Their Compounds

Importation of enriched uranium requires a specific import license from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) under 10 CFR Part 110, as well as Department of Energy authorization where applicable. The NRC license specifies the material form, quantity, enrichment level, and authorized end-use facility. Shipments must also comply with Department of Transportation hazardous materials regulations for radioactive material transport. No commercial import of enriched uranium or plutonium can proceed without these authorizations in place.

Congressional and executive actions have moved to restrict or prohibit imports of Russian-origin enriched uranium, reflecting both energy security concerns and sanctions policy. US nuclear utilities that historically relied on Russian enrichment services — supplied through entities such as TENEX — have been accelerating efforts to qualify alternative enrichers in France, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, as well as supporting domestic enrichment capacity development. Importers and utilities should monitor the current status of any applicable import restrictions before executing new supply contracts.