10 CFR Part 21, Reporting of Defects and Noncompliance

Part 21 of title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR), requires each individual, corporation, partnership, commercial grade dedicating entity, or other entity subject to the regulations in this part to adopt appropriate procedures to evaluate deviations and failures to comply to determine whether a defect exists that could result in a substantial safety hazard. Depending upon the outcome of the evaluation, a report of the defect must be submitted to the NRC. Reports submitted under 10 CFR part 21 are reviewed by the NRC staff to determine whether the reported defects or failures to comply in basic components at the NRC licensed facilities or activities are potentially generic safety problems. These reports have been the basis for the issuance of numerous NRC Generic Communications that have contributed to the improved safety of the nuclear industry. The records required to be maintained in accordance with 10 CFR part 21 are subject to inspection by the NRC to determine compliance with the subject regulation.

The latest form for 10 CFR Part 21, Reporting of Defects and Noncompliance expires 2023-11-30 and can be found here.