European system for registration of carriers of radioactive materials (Proposal)

This Proposal for a Regulation aims at replacing national reporting and authorisation procedures relating to carriers of radioactive materials by a unique registration system. The implementation of the Regulation should enable procedures to be simplified and administrative burden to be reduced, whilst maintaining a high level of radiation protection.

PROPOSAL

Proposal for a Council Regulation of 30 August 2011 establishing a Community system for registration of carriers of radioactive materials [COM(2011) 518 final – Not published in the Official Journal].

SUMMARY

This Proposal for a Regulation aims at putting in place a European system for registration of carriers of radioactive materials *. Workers and the general public must be protected against the dangers arising from ionising radiation.

The Proposal concerns any carrier transporting radioactive materials within the European Union (EU), from third countries into the EU and from the EU into third countries. It does not concern carriers transporting radioactive materials by air or sea.

Registration of carriers

Carriers must register with the Electronic System for Carrier Registration (ESCReg). The system offers restricted and secure access to the competent authorities of the Member States, to the registered carriers and to the applicants, in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Directive.

If an applicant is established in one or more Member States, its application is processed by the competent authority * of the Member State where its head office is located. If the applicant is established in a third country, its application is processed by the competent authority of the Member State where the carrier intends to first enter EU territory.

Member States shall designate a competent authority and a national contact point for the transport of radioactive materials.

If the competent authority refuses to grant the carrier a certificate of registration, the applicant may lodge an appeal.

The certificate of registration is recognised by all Member States and is valid for a period of five years. It may be renewed.

Conditions of transport for radioactive materials

Once registered, the carrier is authorised to carry out transport operations throughout the EU. Carriers must have a copy of their registration certificate during such transport operations.

National reporting and authorisation requirements in addition to those of this Proposal for a Regulation may only apply for the following materials:

• fissile materials;
• high consequence radioactive materials.

However, holders of a licence or registration issued pursuant to the Directive on the dangers arising from ionising radiation may transport radioactive materials without registration if their transport is included in licences or registrations for all Member States where the transport takes place.

If carriers do not comply with the requirements of this Proposal for a Regulation, the authorities of the Member State where the offence is recorded may suspend, revoke or modify the carrier’s registration. The carrier may also be prosecuted.

Context

In 2008, the Council and the Parliament adopted the Directive on the transport of dangerous goods grouping together all modes of inland transport. Pursuant to Directive 96/29/Euratom, which lays down basic safety standards for the protection of the health of workers and the general public against dangers arising from ionising radiation, Member States must put in place a system for the registration of companies and institutions processing radioactive materials, including carriers. Under this Proposal for a Regulation, registration will be centralised in order to facilitate transport within the EU.

See also

• Directorate-General Energy – Nuclear energy, Transport

Last updated: 30.11.2011