Radiation Safety and Security Act No. 31 of 2020.

The objectives of this Act are to (a) establish a framework to protect the health and safety of people and protect the environment from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation and to allow for the beneficial and peaceful uses of ionizing radiation and its applications; (b) provide for the adequate protection of people and the environment, against the harmful effects of ionizing radiation and for the safety and security of radiation sources; enable Belize to meet its obligations relating to radiation protection, safety, security, and nuclear non-proliferation; and establish and maintain the Office with sufficient independence and to effectively perform the functions and responsibilities set out in this Act. This Act applies in relation to all activities, facilities and practices involving the peaceful use of ionizing radiation conducted in Belize.
This Act lays down provisions on the establishment of the Office of Radiation Safety and Security within the ministry responsible for environment and the Committee for Radiation Safety and Security and their functions and responsibilities; appointment and powers of inspectors and establishment of an inspection programme based on a graded approach to monitor compliance with the requirements of this Act; enforcement and penalties and the establishment of Radiation Safety and Security Appeals Tribunal; development of National Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan for nuclear and radiological emergencies; establishment of requirements for the physical protection of nuclear and other radioactive material; establishment of national register of radiation sources; development of national policy and strategy for radioactive waste management; and development of a system of licences, requirements and criteria for licensing, to control the export and import of goods that need to be subject to import and export controls under the Safeguards Agreement. This Act sets out prohibited activities; application procedures for licensing; fundamental principles for radiation protection and safety activities; requirements for radiation protection; principles applied to the management of radioactive waste; and requirements and procedures for the licensing of the export, import and transit of radioactive sources from, to or through the territory of Belize.