Guidance

Shipping radioactive sources between the UK and EU

The processes that operators need to follow when shipping radioactive sources to and from EU countries.

What operators need to do

You need to:

For shipments between the UK and EU states, you:

  • 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
  • are responsible for making a prior written declaration when importing from EU countries - the process remains 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 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 left the EU 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 no longer asks 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:

More information

See the related guides:

Updates to this page

Published 31 December 2020

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