The IAEA Office of Nuclear Security has updated its Illicit Trafficking Database (ITDB) through December 2007. Established in 1995, the ITDB is the IAEA´s information system on incidents of illicit trafficking and other unauthorized activities involving nuclear and radioactive materials. The scope of the ITDB information is broad and includes, but is not limited to, incidents involving the illegal trade and movement of materials across borders. The Database tracks events that occurred intentionally or unintentionally, with or without crossing international borders, as well as unsuccessful or thwarted acts.
"Information reported to the ITDB shows a persistent problem with the illicit trafficking in nuclear and other radioactive materials, thefts, losses, and other unauthorized activities," the ITDB report states.
The ITDB facilitates the exchange of authoritative information on incidents of illicit trafficking and other unauthorized activities involving nuclear and radioactive materials. Currently, 100 States participate in the ITDB Programme. The information collected from the States is subjected to on-going analysis by the IAEA to identify common trends and patterns, to assess threats, and to evaluate weaknesses in material security and detection capabilities and practices. The collected information, statistics and analyses are provided to the participating States and support the implementation of the IAEA Nuclear Security Plan.
The information and knowledge exchanged through the ITDB will help Member States enhance nuclear security through preventing and combating unauthorized activities involving nuclear and radioactive materials.