Shipping radioactive sources between the UK and EU from 1 January 2021
Some of the processes that operators will need to follow when shipping radioactive sources to and from EU countries will change from 1 January 2021.
New rules for January 2021
The UK has left the EU, and the transition period after Brexit comes to an end this year.
This page tells you what you’ll need to do from 1 January 2021. It will be updated if anything changes.
For current information, read: Radioactive waste, spent fuel or sources
You can also read about the transition period.
What operators need to do
You will need to:
- read and understand the new Shipments of Radioactive Substances (EU Exit) Regulations 2019
For shipments between the UK and EU states from 1 January 2021, you will:
- no longer need to make a prior written declaration of compliance when shipping sealed radioactive sources to the EU
- no longer need to submit a return detailing all shipments of sealed and unsealed radioactive sources made during the previous quarter
- be responsible for making a prior written declaration when importing from EU countries – the process to follow will remain the same
There is no change to the processes for shipments of radioactive sources between the UK and the rest of the world.
Importing to the UK from the EU
Imports of sealed radioactive sources to the UK from the EU will still need a prior written declaration to be made before shipments can take place. These can cover more than one shipment and can last up to 3 years.
Prior written declarations made before we leave the EU will remain valid from 1 January 2021 until their specified expiry date.
When a new prior written declaration is needed, this can be made to the relevant competent authority using the form for shipments of radioactive substances.
Exporting from the UK to the EU
The UK will no longer ask UK exporters to make a prior written declaration when shipping sealed radioactive sources to the EU.
UK exporters to the EU should seek guidance from the European Commission and EU countries on any requirements they must comply with before shipping.
Contact the competent authority
Contact the relevant competent authority for more detailed information.
The competent authorities are:
- the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) for nuclear licensed sites
(ONRTechDiv@onr.gov.uk) - the UK environment agencies for non-nuclear licensed sites:
- in England, the Environment Agency
(askshipments@environment-agency.gov.uk) - in Scotland, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency
(RSNotifications@sepa.org.uk) - in Wales, Natural Resources Wales
(industryregulation.southeast@naturalresources.wales) - in Northern Ireland, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency
(ipri@daera-ni.gov.uk)
- in England, the Environment Agency
More information
See the related guides:
Last updated 17 December 2020 + show all updates