Nuclear Suppliers Group

The group of nuclear material supplier countries or engl. Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) is a group of 48 states (as of October 2016) that want to contribute to the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons by implementing common guidelines on export restrictions. This group was formed in 1974 in response to the first atomic bomb developed and detonated by India . It had become clear that nuclear weapons had apparently been developed from nuclear material supplied to India for the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. The chairman is the Swiss ambassador Benno Laggner .

Objective: export controls

Based on the measures of the previously established Zangger Committee (named after its first chairman, the Swiss Professor Claude Zangger), which interpreted the export control provisions of the Non-Proliferation Treaty on Nuclear Weapons jointly and largely uniformly, the NSG also pursues the goal of coordinated national export controls the spread ( proliferation ) to prevent nuclear weapons. The actual measures of the NSG are based on those of the COCOM .

Guidelines

In accordance with the agreed guidelines, depending on the situation of national legislation and current practice, the respective state will decide on exports of nuclear products and other materials that can also be used for nuclear purposes for other purposes ( dual use ). The guidelines are also intended to promote peaceful cooperation in the nuclear field by laying down rules for the common purpose of non-proliferation and thus defining a clear demarcation for the permitted area of nuclear cooperation. The governments of the USA, Russia, Switzerland, Austria, Germany and South Africa belong to the NSG. Israel, Iran, India and Pakistan are not among them.

The guidelines cover the following products and product-related technologies

Factories and equipment for the processing and enrichment of nuclear material, for the production of fuel elements and heavy water
Nuclear reactors and related equipment
Non-nuclear material for use in nuclear reactors
Fissile material like uranium

Further guidelines concern the transfer of equipment, material, software and other technology that are primarily not nuclear technology, but can also be used for nuclear technology (so-called dual-use goods). Specifically, this concerns goods that can either be used for nuclear weapons or for a fuel cycle that is not monitored by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Conflict cases

The current conflict of the NSG is the agreement between the USA and India on cooperation in the peaceful use of atomic energy. India has not yet joined the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and has thus evaded its international obligation not to export any nuclear material or technology for military purposes. The second largest uranium exporter after Canada (29% world market share) with 22% world market share , Australia , is now also aiming for good business with India and is planning to relax its previously restrictive export regulations. Uranium prices rose by 70% in 2005.