This study presents the key quality criteria and requirements as well as an implementation plan for R&D related to the disposal of high-level waste. From the results of the analysis based on NQA-1 and KEPIC-QAP, it was found that test control, software control, design control and independent review of the report were derived as QA key criteria. In addition, the R&D organization should gradually expand the quality assurance criteria to increase R&D efficiency for licensing the construction of the spent nuclear fuel repository. In order to improve research quality, it is necessary to customize the quality requirements for the organization. That is, from the 18 quality criteria of NQA-1, such factors as the quality requirements of organization and quality assurance program, design and software control, document control, purchasing management, test control, quality assurance records, and audit can be selected as R&D quality assurance criteria. In other words, high-level waste disposal R&D should be performed considering not only nuclear quality standards but also research resources. However, as of yet, legal R&D quality assurance requirements in Korea are not specific and only general standards are presented.