On April 17, 2025, Brazil’s National Nuclear Energy Commission (CNEN) approved Resolution No 339/2025, officially establishing the CNEN NN 2.05 – Physical Protection in the Transport of Nuclear and Other Radioactive Materials, a new regulation that enhances the security of radioactive material transport.
This new regulatory milestone aligns Brazil with the highest international benchmarks, including those promoted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), bringing the country closer to the protocols followed by nations with advanced nuclear safety infrastructures. CNEN NN 2.05 aims to modernize and standardize the physical protection systems used during the transportation of sensitive materials across all logistical modes—road, rail, water, and air.
What Does CNEN NN 2.05 Introduce?
The norm lays out general principles and minimum requirements for the design, implementation, and maintenance of a Physical Protection System (SisPF). It takes into account the entire transportation chain—from initial dispatch to transshipment and temporary storage. A key feature of the regulation is its graded approach, which ensures that security measures are proportional to the potential risks associated with the transported materials.
Additionally, CNEN NN 2.05 mandates compliance with best practices in both radiological protection and nuclear safety, solidifying Brazil’s proactive stance in addressing global threats related to nuclear material misuse.
A Step Forward in National and Global Confidence
This resolution underscores CNEN’s commitment to ensuring the safety of the population and the environment. By bolstering protective measures, it also enhances the credibility of Brazil’s radioactive transport operations in the eyes of international regulators and trade partners.
Institutions and operators will have a 180-day window following publication in the Diário Oficial da União to adapt to the new requirements, ensuring a smooth and compliant transition to the elevated standards.
By adopting CNEN NN 2.05, Brazil not only improves its domestic infrastructure for radioactive material management but also signals its dedication to global nuclear security. As the standard takes effect, stakeholders can expect safer logistics and greater regulatory alignment with leading international protocols.