This document specifies methods and means of monitoring for inadvertent movement and illicit trafficking of radioactive material. It provides guidelines on the use of both stationary and portable, for example hand-held, instruments to monitor for radiation signatures from radioactive material. Emphasis is placed on the operational aspects, i.e., requirements derived for monitoring of traffic and commodities mainly at border-crossing facilities. Although the term border is used repeatedly in this document, it is meant to apply not only to international land borders but also maritime ports, airports, and similar locations where goods or individuals are being checked. This document does not specifically address the issue of detection of radioactive materials at recycling facilities, although it is recognized that transboundary movement of metals for recycling occurs, and that monitoring of scrap metals might be done at the borders of a state.

This document is applicable to
— regulatory bodies and other competent authorities seeking guidance on implementation of action plans to combat illicit trafficking,
— law enforcement agencies, for example border guards, to obtain guidelines on recommended monitoring procedures,
— equipment manufacturers in order to understand minimum requirements derived from operational necessities according to this document, and
— end-users of radiation detection equipment applicable to this document.