The Convention defines the obligations of Contracting Parties concerning the safety of spent fuel management when the spent fuel results from the operation of civilian nuclear reactors and the safety of radioactive waste management when the radioactive waste results from civilian applications. The Convention does not contain rules other than those stipulated by the legislation of the Russian Federation.
The Convention's basic purposes are: to achieve and maintain a high level of safety worldwide in spent fuel and radioactive waste management, through the enhancement of national measures and international co-operation; to ensure that during all stages of spent fuel and radioactive waste management there are effective defenses against potential hazards so that individuals, society and the environment are protected from harmful effects of ionizing radiation, now and in the future; to prevent accidents with radiological consequences and to mitigate their consequences should they occur during any stage of spent fuel or radioactive waste management.