The purpose of safeguards implementation is to verify States’ obligations under their respective safeguards agreements with the IAEA.
Safeguards implementation is based on an annual cycle. It comprises four fundamental processes that include the:
- collection and evaluation of all safeguards-relevant information;
- development of a safeguards approach for a State;
- planning, conduct and evaluation of safeguards activities; and
- drawing of safeguards conclusions.
At the end of this cycle, the safeguards conclusions drawn by the IAEA provide assurance to the international community that States are abiding by their safeguards obligations under those agreements.