A Study on the Standardization Strategy for KEPIC in Relation to Packaging, Transportation, and Disposal Containers for Radioactive Waste

The Decommissioning of Nuclear Power Plants in Korea has accelerated the need for Technically rigorous and safety-oriented standards governing the packaging, transportation, and disposal of radioactive waste. To address this, a new set of standards based on the Korean Electric power Industry Code(KEPIC) is under development, with the goal of ensuring regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and environmental safety. This Study outlines the key elements of KEPIC based technical standards for waste containers, focusing on both metallic containers and flexible intermediate bulk containers(Soft bags,) Applicable across low-, very low, and intermediate-level waste streams. The paper analyzes domestic and international regulatory frameworks—including IAEA SSR-6, NRC 10 CFR Part 71, ASME BPVC, and related Korean regulations—and synthesizes container design and performance requirements drawn from recent committee deliberations and stakeholder reviews. Technical challenges such as structural integrity, corrosion resistance, shielding capability, and compatibility with waste forms are examined in detail. Based on these findings, the study proposes a draft structure for a new KEPIC standard and discusses its anticipated policy and practical implications for radioactive waste management during decommissioning in Korea