The Evolution of a Revolutionary Concept: International Target Values for Measurement Uncertainties

The concept of "Target Values for Uncertainty Components" was originally conceived by the Working Group on Techniques and Standards for Destructive Analysis (WGDA) of the European Safeguards Research and Development Association (ESARDA) and matured gradually during many years. It was recognized as a valid concept for improving the reliability of safeguards measurements and for increasing the usefulness of safeguards data. It was increasingly implemented in international Safeguards as a useful tool for measurement laboratories to strive for and as a reference for Safeguards Authorities to use as a reasonable (minimum) requirement. The present paper recalls the purpose of Target Values; describes their evolution over time and provides suggestions for a review of the latest issue (International Target Values 2000, IAEA-327).JRC.E.8-Nuclear safeguards and Securit