Resolution No. 79/2023 issuing the Regulations for Radiation Protection and the Safety and Security of Radiation Sources and Nuclear Materials.

These Regulations, comprising 61 articles, aim to define the requirements for radiation protection, the safety and security of radioactive sources, and the management of nuclear materials, and apply to all activities involving potential exposure to ionizing radiation, including the lifecycle management of radioactive sources, waste handling, and the operation of nuclear facilities. The following radiation sources are exempt from licensing and inspection but remain subject to initial registration and regulatory control: radioactive lighting, smoke detectors, consumer products, IAEA-specified sources, low-voltage research X-rays, and standard intraoral dental X-rays. To practice radiation activities, an application for either a Possession and Use license or a Service Provider license (covering logistics, maintenance, and monitoring) must be submitted to the Authority using the designated form. Importing, exporting, re-exporting, transporting, or transiting radioactive sources requires obtaining a license from the Authority for each shipment. In all cases, the import and transport license may not include more than 4 sealed radioactive sources or radiation generators.
The regulatory framework establishes a comprehensive set of requirements across Chapters 3 to 9 to ensure the safe, secure, and controlled use of radioactive materials. Chapter 3 requires that all radiation practices adhere to the principles of justification, optimization, and dose limitation. Licensees must establish monitored work zones, appoint qualified radiation safety officers, maintain quality control and equipment calibration, and implement specific protective measures for both workers and medical exposures. Chapter 4 focuses on the security of radioactive sources, mandating that licensees implement robust technical and administrative controls throughout the sources' entire lifecycle. It also requires clearly displayed bilingual safety policies and alignment with international standards. Chapter 5 strengthens these provisions by introducing risk-based security measures, including strict inventory tracking, immediate reporting of any security breaches, prior regulatory approval for transfers, and storage exclusively in licensed and purpose-built facilities. Chapter 6 regulates the transport of radioactive materials, limiting international transport to air and domestic transport to land. It requires specialized licenses, certified vehicles, and packaging compliant with international standards. Additional provisions include dose rate limits, trained personnel, prohibition of mixed cargo, and mandatory immediate reporting of transport incidents. Chapter 7 addresses radioactive waste management, prohibiting waste import and requiring strict handling, storage, and monitoring procedures. It mandates that sealed sources cannot be dismantled and must be repatriated to the manufacturer, while also establishing rules for temporary storage or final disposal under regulatory oversight, supported by regular reporting and immediate notification of losses. Chapter 8 sets out emergency preparedness and response requirements, including approved response plans, trained personnel, and prompt reporting of incidents. While dose limits generally apply to responders, exceptions are allowed in critical situations such as life-saving actions. Licensees remain fully responsible for all costs associated with accidents, including decontamination. Chapter 9 defines enforcement measures and administrative penalties. It empowers the Authority to suspend or revoke licenses for non-compliance, fraud, or safety risks; enforce immediate cessation of activities; impose fines (including increased penalties for repeat violations); and order facility closures when necessary to protect public health and the environment.