Final rule · 2025-12396

Revising the Duration of Design Certifications

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is amending its regulations to revise the duration of design certifications (DCs). Specifically, this direct final rule replaces the 15-year duration for DCs with a 40-year duration period, both for existing DCs currently in effect and generically for future DCs, including renewals. This direct final rule does not change the date of issuance or renewal for existing DCs (i.e., the start date by which an existing DC may be referenced remains unchanged). This direct final rule also incorporates a minor editorial correction.