---
kind: "section"
citation: "42 U.S.C. § 2297h–10a"
title: "42"
title_heading: "The Public Health and Welfare"
number: "2297h–10a"
heading: "Incentives for additional downblending of highly enriched uranium by the Russian Federation"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/42/2297h-10a"
units:
  - "Chapter 23 — Development and Control of Atomic Energy"
  - "Division B — United States Enrichment Corporation"
  - "Subchapter VIII — United States Enrichment Corporation Privatization"
---

# §2297h–10a. Incentives for additional downblending of highly enriched uranium by the Russian Federation

- (a) **Definitions—** In this section:
  - (1) **Completion of the Russian HEU Agreement—** The term “completion of the Russian HEU Agreement” means the importation into the [United States](/usc/42/2014.md?p=bb) from the Russian Federation pursuant to the Russian HEU Agreement of uranium derived from the downblending of not less than 500 metric tons of [highly enriched uranium](/usc/42/2297h.md?p=4) of weapons origin.
  - (2) **Downblending—** The term “downblending” means processing [highly enriched uranium](/usc/42/2297h.md?p=4) into a uranium product in any form in which the uranium contains less than 20 percent uranium-235.
  - (3) **Highly enriched uranium—** The term “[highly enriched uranium](/usc/42/2297h.md?p=4)” has the meaning given that term in [section 2297h(4) of this title](/usc/42/2297h.md?p=4).
  - (4) **Highly enriched uranium of weapons origin—** The term “[highly enriched uranium](/usc/42/2297h.md?p=4) of weapons origin” means [highly enriched uranium](/usc/42/2297h.md?p=4) that—
    - (A) contains 90 percent or more uranium-235; and
    - (B) is verified by the [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) of Energy to be of weapons origin.
  - (5) **Low-enriched uranium—** The term “[low-enriched uranium](/usc/42/2297h.md?p=5)” means a uranium product in any form, including uranium hexafluoride (UF<sub>6</sub>) and uranium oxide (UO<sub>2</sub>), in which the uranium contains less than 20 percent uranium-235, including natural uranium, without regard to whether the uranium is incorporated into fuel rods or complete fuel assemblies.
  - (6) **Russian HEU Agreement—** The term “Russian HEU Agreement” has the meaning given that term in [section 2297h(11) of this title](/usc/42/2297h.md?p=11).
  - (7) **Suspension Agreement—** The term “Suspension Agreement” has the meaning given that term in [section 2297h(13) of this title](/usc/42/2297h.md?p=13).
  - (8) **Uranium-235—** The term “uranium-235” means the isotope[^235]U.
- (b) **Statement of policy—** It is the policy of the [United States](/usc/42/2014.md?p=bb)—
  - (1) to support the continued downblending of [highly enriched uranium](/usc/42/2297h.md?p=4) of weapons origin in the Russian Federation in order to protect the essential security interests of the [United States](/usc/42/2014.md?p=bb) with respect to the nonproliferation of nuclear weapons;
  - (2) to reduce reliance on uranium imports in order to protect essential national security interests;
  - (3) to revive and strengthen the supply chain for nuclear fuel produced and used in the [United States](/usc/42/2014.md?p=bb); and
  - (4) to expand production of nuclear fuel in the [United States](/usc/42/2014.md?p=bb).
- (c) **Promotion of downblending of Russian highly enriched uranium—**
  - (1) **Completion of the Russian HEU Agreement—** Prior to the completion of the Russian HEU Agreement, the importation into the [United States](/usc/42/2014.md?p=bb) of [low-enriched uranium](/usc/42/2297h.md?p=5), including [low-enriched uranium](/usc/42/2297h.md?p=5) obtained under contracts for separative work units, that is produced in the Russian Federation and is not imported pursuant to the Russian HEU Agreement, may not exceed the following amounts:
    - (A) In the 4-year period beginning with calendar year 2008, 16,559 kilograms.
    - (B) In calendar year 2012, 24,839 kilograms.
    - (C) In calendar year 2013 and each calendar year thereafter through the calendar year of the completion of the Russian HEU Agreement, 41,398 kilograms.
  - (2) **Incentives to continue downblending Russian highly enriched uranium after the completion of the Russian HEU Agreement—**
    - (A) **In general—** After the completion of the Russian HEU Agreement, the importation into the [United States](/usc/42/2014.md?p=bb) of [low-enriched uranium](/usc/42/2297h.md?p=5), including [low-enriched uranium](/usc/42/2297h.md?p=5) obtained under contracts for separative work units, that is produced in the Russian Federation, whether or not such [low-enriched uranium](/usc/42/2297h.md?p=5) is derived from [highly enriched uranium](/usc/42/2297h.md?p=4) of weapons origin, may not exceed—
      - (i) in calendar year 2014, 485,279 kilograms;
      - (ii) in calendar year 2015, 455,142 kilograms;
      - (iii) in calendar year 2016, 480,146 kilograms;
      - (iv) in calendar year 2017, 490,710 kilograms;
      - (v) in calendar year 2018, 492,731 kilograms;
      - (vi) in calendar year 2019, 509,058 kilograms;
      - (vii) in calendar year 2020, 514,754 kilograms;
      - (viii) in calendar year 2021, 596,682 kilograms;
      - (ix) in calendar year 2022, 489,617 kilograms; and
      - (x) in calendar year 2023, 578,877 kilograms.
    - (B) **Administration—**
      - (i) **In general—** The [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) of Commerce shall administer the import limitations described in [subparagraph (A)](#c-2-A) in accordance with the provisions of the Suspension Agreement, including—
        - (I) the limitations on sales of enriched uranium product and separative work units plus conversion, in amounts determined in accordance with Section IV.B.1 of the Suspension Agreement (as amended by the amendment published in the Federal Register on October 9, 2020 (85 Fed. Reg. 64112));
        - (II) the export limit [allocations](/usc/42/2021b.md?p=2) set forth in Appendix 5 of the Suspension Agreement (as so amended);
        - (III) the requirements for natural uranium returned feed associated with imports of [low-enriched uranium](/usc/42/2297h.md?p=5), including pursuant to sales of enrichment, with or without conversion, from the Russian Federation, as set forth in Section IV.B.1 of the Suspension Agreement (as so amended);
        - (IV) any other provisions of the Suspension Agreement (as so amended); and
        - (V) any related administrative guidance issued by the Department of Commerce.
      - (ii) **Effect of termination of Suspension Agreement—** [Clause (i)](#c-2-B-i) shall remain in effect if the Suspension Agreement is terminated.
    - (C) **Additional imports in exchange for a commitment to downblend an additional 300 metric tons of highly enriched uranium—**
      - (i) **In general—** In addition to the amount authorized to be imported under [subparagraph (A)](#c-2-A) and except as provided in [clause (ii)](#c-2-C-ii), if the Russian Federation enters into a bilateral agreement with the [United States](/usc/42/2014.md?p=bb) under which the Russian Federation agrees to downblend an additional 300 metric tons of [highly enriched uranium](/usc/42/2297h.md?p=4) after the completion of the Russian HEU Agreement, 4 kilograms of [low-enriched uranium](/usc/42/2297h.md?p=5), whether or not such [low-enriched uranium](/usc/42/2297h.md?p=5) is derived from [highly enriched uranium](/usc/42/2297h.md?p=4) of weapons origin and including [low-enriched uranium](/usc/42/2297h.md?p=5) obtained under contracts for separative work units, may be imported in a calendar year for every 1 kilogram of Russian [highly enriched uranium](/usc/42/2297h.md?p=4) of weapons origin that was downblended in the preceding calendar year, subject to the verification of the [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) of Energy under [paragraph (9)](#c-9).
      - (ii) **Maximum annual imports—** Not more than 120,000 kilograms of [low-enriched uranium](/usc/42/2297h.md?p=5) may be imported in a calendar year under [clause (i)](#c-2-C-i).
  - (3) **Exceptions—** The import limitations described in paragraphs [(1)](#c-1) and [(2)](#c-2) shall not apply to [low-enriched uranium](/usc/42/2297h.md?p=5) produced in the Russian Federation that is imported into the [United States](/usc/42/2014.md?p=bb) for processing and to be certified for reexportation and not for consumption in the [United States](/usc/42/2014.md?p=bb).
  - (4) **Limited waiver authority—**
    - (A) **In general—** Notwithstanding [paragraph (1)(C)](#c-1-C), if the completion of the Russian HEU Agreement does not occur before December 31, 2013, the import limitations under [paragraph (1)(C)](#c-1-C) shall be waived, and [low-enriched uranium](/usc/42/2297h.md?p=5) may be imported into the [United States](/usc/42/2014.md?p=bb) in the quantities specified in [paragraph (2)](#c-2) in a calendar year after 2013, if—
      - (i) the [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) of Energy and the Secretary of State jointly determine that—
        - (I) the failure of the completion of the Russian HEU Agreement arises from causes beyond the control and without the fault or negligence of the Government of the Russian Federation; and
        - (II) the Government of the Russian Federation has made reasonable efforts to avoid and mitigate the effects of the failure of the completion of the Russian HEU Agreement; and
      - (ii) the [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) of Energy and the Secretary of State jointly notify Congress of, and publish in the Federal Register, the determination under [clause (i)](#c-4-A-i) and the reasons for the determination.
    - (B) **Notice and wait—** A waiver under [subparagraph (A)](#c-4-A) may not take effect until the date that is 180 days after the date on which [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) of Energy and the Secretary of State notify Congress under [subparagraph (A)(ii)](#c-4-A-ii).
    - (C) **Termination—** A waiver under [subparagraph (A)](#c-4-A) shall terminate on December 31 of the calendar year with respect to which the [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) makes the determination under [subparagraph (A)(i)](#c-4-A-i).
  - (5) **Authority for additional adjustment—** The [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) of Commerce may adjust the import limitations under [paragraph (2)(A)](#c-2-A) for a calendar year if the [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2)—
    - (A) in consultation with the [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) of Energy, determines that the available supply of [low-enriched uranium](/usc/42/2297h.md?p=5) and the available stockpiles of uranium of the Department of Energy are insufficient to meet demand in the [United States](/usc/42/2014.md?p=bb) in the following calendar year; and
    - (B) notifies Congress of the adjustment not less than 45 days before making the adjustment.
  - (6) **Equivalent quantities of low-enriched uranium imports—**
    - (A) **In general—** The import limitations described in paragraphs [(1)](#c-1) and [(2)](#c-2) are expressed in terms of uranium containing 4.4 percent uranium-235 and a tails assay of 0.3 percent.
    - (B) **Adjustment for other uranium—** Imports of [low-enriched uranium](/usc/42/2297h.md?p=5) under paragraphs [(1)](#c-1) and [(2)](#c-2), including [low-enriched uranium](/usc/42/2297h.md?p=5) obtained under contracts for separative work units, shall count against the import limitations described in such paragraphs in amounts calculated as the quantity of [low-enriched uranium](/usc/42/2297h.md?p=5) containing 4.4 percent uranium-235 necessary to equal the total amount of uranium-235 contained in such imports.
  - (7) **Downblending of other highly enriched uranium—**
    - (A) **In general—** The downblending of [highly enriched uranium](/usc/42/2297h.md?p=4) not of weapons origin may be counted for purposes of [paragraph (2)(C)](#c-2-C), subject to verification under [paragraph (9)](#c-9), if the [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) of Energy determines that the [highly enriched uranium](/usc/42/2297h.md?p=4) to be downblended poses a risk to the national security of the [United States](/usc/42/2014.md?p=bb).
    - (B) **Equivalent quantities of highly enriched uranium—** For purposes of determining the additional [low-enriched uranium](/usc/42/2297h.md?p=5) imports allowed under [paragraph (2)(C)](#c-2-C), [highly enriched uranium](/usc/42/2297h.md?p=4) not of weapons origin downblended pursuant to [subparagraph (A)](#c-7-A) shall count as downblended [highly enriched uranium](/usc/42/2297h.md?p=4) of weapons origin in amounts calculated as the quantity of [highly enriched uranium](/usc/42/2297h.md?p=4) containing 90 percent uranium-235 necessary to equal the total amount of uranium-235 contained in the [highly enriched uranium](/usc/42/2297h.md?p=4) not of weapons origin downblended pursuant to [subparagraph (A)](#c-7-A).
  - (8) **Termination of import restrictions—** The provisions of this subsection shall terminate on the date described in [subsection (d)(1)](#d-1).
  - (9) **Technical verifications by Secretary of Energy—**
    - (A) **In general—** The [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) of Energy shall verify the origin, quantity, and uranium-235 content of the [highly enriched uranium](/usc/42/2297h.md?p=4) downblended for purposes of paragraphs [(2)(C)](#c-2-C) and [(7)](#c-7).
    - (B) **Methods of verification—** In conducting the verification required under [subparagraph (A)](#c-9-A), the [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) of Energy shall employ the transparency measures and access provisions agreed to under the Russian HEU Agreement for monitoring the downblending of Russian [highly enriched uranium](/usc/42/2297h.md?p=4) of weapons origin and such other methods as the [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) determines appropriate.
  - (10) **Enforcement of import limitations—** The [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) of Commerce shall be responsible for enforcing the import limitations imposed under this subsection and shall enforce such import limitations in a manner that imposes a minimal burden on the commercial nuclear industry.
  - (11) **Effect on other agreements—**
    - (A) **Russian HEU Agreement—** Nothing in this section shall be construed to modify the terms of the Russian HEU Agreement, including the provisions of the Agreement relating to the amount of [low-enriched uranium](/usc/42/2297h.md?p=5) that may be imported into the [United States](/usc/42/2014.md?p=bb).
    - (B) **Other agreements—** If a provision of any agreement between the [United States](/usc/42/2014.md?p=bb) and the Russian Federation, other than the Russian HEU Agreement or the Suspension Agreement, relating to the importation of [low-enriched uranium](/usc/42/2297h.md?p=5), including [low-enriched uranium](/usc/42/2297h.md?p=5) obtained under contracts for separative work units, into the [United States](/usc/42/2014.md?p=bb) conflicts with a provision of this section, the provision of this section shall supersede the provision of the agreement to the extent of the conflict.
- (d) **Prohibition on imports of low-enriched uranium—**
  - (1) **Prohibition—** Beginning on the date that is 90 days after May 13, 2024, and subject to paragraphs [(2)](#d-2) and [(3)](#d-3), the following may not be imported into the [United States](/usc/42/2014.md?p=bb):
    - (A) Unirradiated [low-enriched uranium](/usc/42/2297h.md?p=5) that is produced in the Russian Federation or by a Russian entity.
    - (B) Unirradiated [low-enriched uranium](/usc/42/2297h.md?p=5) that is determined to have been exchanged with, swapped for, or otherwise obtained in lieu of unirradiated [low-enriched uranium](/usc/42/2297h.md?p=5) described in [subparagraph (A)](#d-1-A) in a manner designed to circumvent the restrictions under this section.
  - (2) **Waiver—**
    - (A) **In general—** Subject to subparagraphs [(B)](#d-2-B) and [(C)](#d-2-C), the [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) of Energy, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) of Commerce, may waive the application of [paragraph (1)](#d-1) to authorize the importation of [low-enriched uranium](/usc/42/2297h.md?p=5) described in that paragraph if the [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) of Energy determines that—
      - (i) no alternative viable source of [low-enriched uranium](/usc/42/2297h.md?p=5) is available to sustain the continued operation of a nuclear reactor or a [United States](/usc/42/2014.md?p=bb) nuclear energy company; or
      - (ii) importation of [low-enriched uranium](/usc/42/2297h.md?p=5) described in [paragraph (1)](#d-1) is in the national interest.
    - (B) **Limitation on amounts of imports of low-enriched uranium—**
      - (i) **In general—** The importation into the [United States](/usc/42/2014.md?p=bb) of [low-enriched uranium](/usc/42/2297h.md?p=5) described in [paragraph (1)](#d-1), including [low-enriched uranium](/usc/42/2297h.md?p=5) obtained under contracts for separative work units, whether or not such [low-enriched uranium](/usc/42/2297h.md?p=5) is derived from [highly enriched uranium](/usc/42/2297h.md?p=4) of weapons origin, may not exceed—
        - (I) in calendar year 2024, 476,536 kilograms;
        - (II) in calendar year 2025, 470,376 kilograms;
        - (III) in calendar year 2026, 464,183 kilograms; and
        - (IV) in calendar year 2027, 459,083 kilograms.
      - (ii) **Administration—** The [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) of Commerce shall—
        - (I) administer the import limitations described in [clause (i)](#d-2-B-i) in accordance with the provisions of the Suspension Agreement, including the provisions described in [subsection (c)(2)(B)(i)](#c-2-B-i);
        - (II) be responsible for enforcing the import limitations described in [clause (i)](#d-2-B-i); and
        - (III) enforce the import limitations described in [clause (i)](#d-2-B-i) in a manner that imposes a minimal burden on the commercial nuclear industry.
    - (C) **Termination—** Any waiver issued under [subparagraph (A)](#d-2-A) shall terminate not later than January 1, 2028.
    - (D) **Notification to Congress—**
      - (i) **In general—** Upon issuing a waiver under [subparagraph (A)](#d-2-A), the [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) of Energy shall submit to the committees specified in [clause (ii)](#d-2-D-ii) a notification that a waiver has been issued, which shall include identification of the recipient of the waiver.
      - (ii) **Committees specified—** The committees specified in this clause are—
        - (I) the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and the Committee on Finance of the Senate; and
        - (II) the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives.
  - (3) **Applicability—** This subsection does not apply to imports—
    - (A) by or under contract to the Department of Energy for national security or nonproliferation purposes; or
    - (B) of non-uranium isotopes.
  - (4) **Termination—** The provisions of this subsection shall terminate on December 31, 2040.
  - (5) **Russian entity defined—** In this subsection, the term “Russian entity” means an entity organized under the laws of or otherwise subject to the jurisdiction of the Government of the Russian Federation.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 104–134, title III, § 3112A, as added Pub. L. 110–329, div. C, title VIII, § 8118(2), Sept. 30, 2008, 122 Stat. 3647; amended Pub. L. 116–260, div. Z, title II, § 2007(a), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2472; Pub. L. 118–62, § 2(a), (b)(1), May 13, 2024, 138 Stat. 1022, 1023.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### Codification

Section was enacted as part of the USEC Privatization Act and also as part of the Omnibus Consolidated Rescissions and Appropriations Act of 1996, and not as part of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 which comprises this chapter.

### Amendments

2024—Subsec. (c)(2)(A)(xi) to (xxvii). Pub. L. 118–62, § 2(b)(1)(A)(i), struck out cls. (xi) to (xxvii) which provided limitations on importation of Russian low-enriched uranium for calendar years 2024 to 2040.

Subsec. (c)(2)(C)(i). Pub. L. 118–62, § 2(b)(1)(A)(ii), substituted “paragraph (9)” for “paragraph (10)”.

Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 118–62, § 2(b)(1)(B), substituted “United States” for “United States—” and struck out subpar. (B) designation before “for processing” and subpar. (A) which read as follows: “for use in the initial core of a new nuclear reactor; or”.

Subsec. (c)(5). Pub. L. 118–62, § 2(b)(1)(E), substituted “The” for “In addition to the adjustment under paragraph (5)(A), the” in introductory provisions.

Pub. L. 118–62, § 2(b)(1)(C), (D), redesignated par. (6) as (5) and struck out former par. (5) which related to adjustments to import limitations.

Subsec. (c)(6). Pub. L. 118–62, § 2(b)(1)(D), redesignated par. (7) as (6). Former par. (6) redesignated (5).

Subsec. (c)(7). Pub. L. 118–62, § 2(b)(1)(D), redesignated par. (8) as (7). Former par. (7) redesignated (6).

Subsec. (c)(7)(A). Pub. L. 118–62, § 2(b)(1)(F), substituted “paragraph (9)” for “paragraph (10)”.

Subsec. (c)(8). Pub. L. 118–62, § 2(b)(1)(G), substituted “the date described in subsection (d)(1)” for “December 31, 2040”.

Pub. L. 118–62, § 2(b)(1)(D), redesignated par. (9) as (8). Former par. (8) redesignated (7).

Subsec. (c)(9). Pub. L. 118–62, § 2(b)(1)(D), redesignated par. (10) as (9). Former par. (9) redesignated (8).

Subsec. (c)(9)(A). Pub. L. 118–62, § 2(b)(1)(H), substituted “paragraphs (2)(C) and (7)” for “paragraphs (2)(C) and (8)”.

Subsec. (c)(10) to (12). Pub. L. 118–62, § 2(b)(1)(D), redesignated pars. (11) and (12) as (10) and (11), respectively. Former par. (10) redesignated (9).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 118–62, § 2(a), added subsec. (d).

2020—Subsec. (a)(7), (8). Pub. L. 116–260, § 2007(a)(1), added par. (7) and redesignated former par. (7) as (8).

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 116–260, § 2007(a)(2), substituted “United States—” and “(1) to support” for “United States to support” and added pars. (2) to (4).

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 116–260, § 2007(a)(3)(F), substituted “(2)(C)” for “(2)(B)” wherever appearing.

Subsec. (c)(2)(A)(viii) to (xxvi). Pub. L. 116–260, § 2007(a)(3)(A)(i), added cls. (viii) to (xxvi).

Subsec. (c)(2)(B), (C). Pub. L. 116–260, § 2007(a)(3)(A)(ii), (iii), added subpar. (B) and redesignated former subpar. (B) as (C).

Subsec. (c)(3)(C). Pub. L. 116–260, § 2007(a)(3)(B), struck out subpar. (C) which read as follows: “to be added to the inventory of the Department of Energy”.

Subsec. (c)(5)(A). Pub. L. 116–260, § 2007(a)(3)(C)(i), substituted “lower scenario data in the report of the World Nuclear Association entitled ‘The Nuclear Fuel Report: Global Scenarios for Demand and Supply Availability 2019–2040’. In each of calendar years 2023, 2029, and 2035” for “reference data in the 2005 Market Report on the Global Nuclear Fuel Market Supply and Demand 2005–2030 of the World Nuclear Association. In each of calendar years 2016 and 2019”.

Subsec. (c)(5)(B) to (D). Pub. L. 116–260, § 2007(a)(3)(C)(ii)–(iv), added subpar. (B), redesignated former subpars. (B) and (C) as (C) and (D), respectively, and, in subpar. (D), as redesignated, substituted “subparagraph (C)” for “subparagraph (B)”.

Subsec. (c)(9). Pub. L. 116–260, § 2007(a)(3)(D), substituted “2040” for “2020”.

Subsec. (c)(12)(B). Pub. L. 116–260, § 2007(a)(3)(E), inserted “or the Suspension Agreement” after “the Russian HEU Agreement”.

### Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

### Effective Date of 2024 Amendment

Pub. L. 118–62, § 2(b)(2), May 13, 2024, 138 Stat. 1024, provided that: “The amendment to section 3112A(c)(2)(A)(xi) of the USEC Privatization Act (42 U.S.C. 2297h–10a(c)(2)(A)(xi)) made by paragraph (1)(A) of this subsection shall take effect on the date that is 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [May 13, 2024].”

### Applicability

Pub. L. 116–260, div. Z, title II, § 2007(b), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2474, provided that: “The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] apply with respect to uranium imported from the Russian Federation on or after January 1, 2021.”