Countering counterfeit, fraudulent and suspect items in the nuclear supply chain
Published 27 August 2019
Describes the steps taken to prevent the infiltration of fakes and other non-conforming parts and equipment into nuclear power plants.
A small but concerning number of cases of irregularities in the test certificates issued by nuclear equipment vendors have come to light in the last few years. Other cases discovered involved the supply of counterfeit goods. Globalized commerce has brought many benefits but if the rules protecting intellectual property are weak or inadequately enforced then counterfeiters can take advantage of the situation to defraud customers. The extent of such infiltration into the nuclear supply chain remains relatively small according to the most recent information. The report describes the steps taken by nuclear operators and their suppliers to apply rigorous quality assurance processes, undertake supplier awareness programs, and to train their staff to detect and prevent the installation of counterfeit, fraudulent and suspect items.
