In addition to the high-level requirements described above, a wide range of other constraints must also be respected. These include measures to avoid undue radiation exposure of personnel, limits on contamination in manned areas and protection against criticality. Additionally, to avoid any misappropriation of fissile material, physical protection systems are deployed and a rigorous and permanent accounting of materials is monitored by Euratom (European Atomic Energy Community) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Another consideration is that the reprocessing plant is exposed to high levels of radiation, which may lead to various forms of radiation damage. A particular issue concerns degradation of the solvent by radiolysis in which Pu-238 (half-life 88 years) has an important role. This is created from U-235 and increases in concentration in spent fuel with burn-up.

All these constraints must be taken into account in the design and operations of reprocessing plants.