CNSC Announces Licence Amendments to Enhance Regulatory Controls on the Export and Import of High-Risk Sealed Sources

05-25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 22, 2005

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) is strengthening its regulatory controls on sealed sources, principally through the establishment of a sealed source tracking system within an upgraded national sealed source registry and enhanced export and import controls for high-risk sealed sources. These measures will provide for safe and secure management and protection of such sources in Canada and will be consistent with strengthened international norms in these areas, particularly with respect to the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources (2004).

Following a hearing which concluded on November 16, 2005, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (Commission) has amended, on its own motion, 278 licences by adding a condition that requires affected licensees to report the transfer, receipt, import and export of high risk sealed sources beginning January 1, 2006. A second licence condition, to be added later in 2006, will introduce enhanced export controls. The Commission concluded that these amendments were necessary to enable timely implementation of measures necessary to prevent unreasonable risk to the environment, the health and safety of persons or national security.

On August 30, 2005, the affected licensees were provided an opportunity to be heard on this matter by way of written submissions to the Commission. The Commission also considered written submissions from CNSC staff.

A Record of Proceedings including Reasons for Decision is available on the CNSC Web site at www.nuclearsafety.gc.ca, or by contacting the CNSC.

The CNSC regulates the use of nuclear energy and materials to protect health, safety, security and the environment and to respect Canada's international commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

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Contact:
Pascale Bourassa
Commission Secretariat
(613) 947-0247
1-800-668-5284