Amendments to the Packaging and Transport of Nuclear Substances Regulations

Latest Update

Current Status

The Regulations Amending the Packaging and Transport of Nuclear Substances Regulations (PTNS Regulations) and accompanying Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement were published in the December 21, 2011 edition of the Canada Gazette, Part II.

Description

The PTNS Regulations have been amended to exempt the following items, following the sale to the end user:

• check sources containing a small, very low-risk quantity of nuclear substances
• radiation devices containing less than 10 times the exemption quantity (EQ) of a radioactive nuclear substance

Radiation devices containing more than 1 time the EQ of radioactive nuclear substances are required to be certified by the CNSC for use in Canada and this requirement will continue to be in effect. Manufacturers and distributors are not covered under these new exemptions, and will still be required to comply with PTNS Regulations.

These amendments have no impact on the environment, the health and safety of persons, and national security, given the low quantity of nuclear substances involved. These amendments conform to measures of control and international obligations to which Canada has agreed. The regulatory burden is lessened for the users of the exempted radiation devices or check sources, by simplifying the requirements pertaining to the domestic transport of the exempted devices.

Amendment History

• February 2010: the Commission Tribunal approves interim exemptions from the Packaging and Transport of Nuclear Substances Regulations. Read the Exemptions Overview, along with Information Bulletin 10-11.

Regulatory References

• Packaging and Transport of Nuclear Substances Regulations (source: Justice Canada Web site)
• Nuclear Safety and Control Act and all other associated regulations

For more information, please contact:

Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
280 Slater Street
P.O. Box 1046, Station B
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 5S9
Fax: 613-995-5086
Email: info@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca