IAEA timeliness detection goal represents the target detection times applicable to specific nuclear material categories. These goals are used for establishing the frequency of inspections and safeguards activities at a facility or a location outside facilities during a calendar year, in order to verify that no abrupt diversion has occurred. Where there is no additional protocol in force or where the IAEA has not drawn and maintained a conclusion of the absence of undeclared nuclear material and activities in a State, the detection goals are as follows:

• One month for unirradiated direct use material,
• Three months for irradiated direct use material,
• One year for indirect use material.

Longer timeliness detection goals may be applied in a State where the IAEA has drawn and maintained a conclusion of the absence of undeclared nuclear material and activities in that State.