ML26054A026
| ML26054A026 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | 11006662 |
| Issue date: | 02/20/2026 |
| From: | Andrea Ferkile NRC/OIP/ECNP |
| To: | Warden J US Dept of State, Bureau of International Security & Nonproliferation, US Dept of State, Office of Nuclear Energy Safety & Security Affairs |
| References | |
| Download: ML26054A026 (0) | |
Text
February 20, 2026 Mr. James Warden Director, Office of Nuclear Energy, Safety & Security Affairs Bureau of International Security
& Nonproliferation U.S. Department of State 2201 C Street, NW, Room 3320 HST Washington, D.C. 20520
Dear Director Warden:
Enclosed is export license application No. XSNM3862, which was accepted for review by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) on August 26, 2025, from Eckert and Ziegler Analytics requesting approval to export a total quantity of 1.532 E-10 kilograms of Plutonium Nitrate (Pu-242) contained in one sealed glass vial, to the Hong Kong Observatory in Hong Kong, a Special Administrative Region of the Peoples Republic of China (PRC). The Pu-242 will be used in a calibration device to monitor the presence of artificial radionuclides (including Pu-239) in environmental samples taken from around the PRC. The Hong Kong Observatory, in addition to meteorological responsibilities, also monitors and assesses radiation levels in the PRC and Hong Kong.
Ordinarily, this export would be authorized under NRCs regulations in Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 110.22, General license for the export of source material. However, in August 2023, the NRC issued an Order Suspending General License Authority to Export Special Nuclear Material, Source Material, and Deuterium for Nuclear End Use to the People's Republic of China. Given the issuance of this order, exporters are no longer authorized to use the general license to export special nuclear material, source material, or deuterium for nuclear end use to the PRC and now must apply for a specific license in accordance with NRC regulations. We request views, in accordance with established procedures and from the overall perspective of the Executive Branch, as to whether the requested export meets the applicable criteria in the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended. The NRC would also appreciate your assistance in obtaining assurances from the PRC that the material will be subject to all terms and conditions of an agreement for cooperation.
J. Warden 2
If you have any questions please contact the Licensing Officer, Joanne Savoy at Joanne.Savoy@nrc.gov and forward your response to ecnp_ebresponse.resource@nrc.gov.
Sincerely, Andrea Ferkile, Branch Chief Export Controls and Nonproliferation Branch Office of International Programs
Enclosures:
Export License Application No. XSNM3862 J. Warden, DOS J. Norles, DOE/NNSA A. Kessler, DTSA P. Megahan, DOS J. Semones, DHS/CBP S. Bragonje, DOC R. Bennett, DHS/CBP B. Zack, DOE/NNSA C. Fox, DOE/NNSA A. Lyman, DOE/NNSA H. Shirley, DOS J. Goodman, DOE/NNSA