Guidance

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.

You can also read about the transition period.

What operators need to do

You will need to:

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:

More information

See the related guides:

Published 25 March 2019
Last updated 17 December 2020 
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