Regulation of trade, import and export of radioactive substances

The Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority regulates the trade, import to Finland and export from Finland of radioactive substances. Import and export operations are regulated by the Finnish Customs in addition to STUK.

Import and export of radioactive substances refer to import from a non-EU member state and export to a non-EU member state, respectively. A safety licence issued by STUK is required for such import or export operations and the trade in radioactive substances.

Import and export operations are also regulated by the Finnish Customs. The customs declaration must indicate the type and quantity of radioactive substances and the number of the licence authorizing the import or export.

Sending or receiving radioactive substances between EU member states is considered transfer of radioactive substances. A separate licence issued by STUK is not required for such transfers. However, the transfers are subject to the Council Regulation 1493/93/Euratom, which sets forth investigation and disclosure obligations for the consignor. The Council Regulation is enforced in all EU member states. The content and requirements of the Regulation are described in more detail in STUK’s Guide ST 5.4.

With regard to this Regulation, STUK verifies a document by which the consignee of sealed sources in Finland declares to the consignor that the consignee has a safety licence for using the radiation source. A document concerning the transfer of sealed sources is available on STUK’s form page. Additionally, STUK receives declarations from consignors of radiation sources in other EU member states concerning radioactive substances shipped to Finland.

More information on the import, export and trade of radioactive substances is presented in Guide ST 5.4.