CNSC's Regulatory Stock Review Plan
Overview
The regulatory stock review plan is a public list, with descriptions, of planned reviews of regulations made under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act (NSCA) that the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) expects to carry out over a 10-year period. It is intended to give individual Canadians, Indigenous Nations and communities, businesses and trading partners greater opportunity to provide input on the regulatory reviews and plan for the future.
The NSCA came into force on May 31, 2000, replacing the Atomic Energy Control Act. It established the CNSC and set out the CNSC's mandate, responsibilities and powers. The NSCA provided the CNSC with the authority to regulate the development, production and use of nuclear energy; and the production, possession and use of nuclear substances, prescribed equipment and prescribed information in Canada.
Under the NSCA, the Commission makes regulations with the approval of the Governor in Council. Our regulatory review ensures that Canada continues to have regulatory instruments that set out clear expectations for licensees, the public, Indigenous Nations and communities groups, and other stakeholders. The review focuses on modernizing our regulatory framework to reflect the latest domestic and international developments in nuclear safety and security.
The regulatory stock review plan is adjusted and updated over time to reflect our regulatory priorities and operational experience.
We welcome feedback on the regulatory stock review plan, and on the various components of our regulatory framework, at any time. Feedback can be emailed to consultation@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca.
Regulatory Stock Review Plan: 2019–29
Completed reviews
Ongoing and future reviews
- General Nuclear Safety and Control Regulations
- Administrative Monetary Penalties Regulations
- Class I Nuclear Facilities Regulations
- Class II Nuclear Facilities and Prescribed Equipment Regulations
- Uranium Mines and Mills Regulations
- Nuclear Substances and Radiation Devices Regulations
- Packaging and Transport of Nuclear Substances Regulations, 2015
- Nuclear Security Regulations
- Nuclear Non-proliferation Import and Export Control Regulations
- Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission Cost Recovery Fees Regulations
- Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission Rules of Procedure
-
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission By-laws
Completed reviews
Radiation Protection Regulations
Enabling act: Nuclear Safety and Control Act
Rationale: The International Commission on Radiological Protection introduced new international standards and recommendations, which were incorporated into the regulations to ensure that they continue to meet those standards.
Narrative: Establish radiation dose limits, action limits, and requirements for labelling and signage, and require licensees to implement radiation protection programs that keep exposure to ionizing radiation below regulatory limits and as low as reasonably achievable.
Regulations apply to: All nuclear facilities and CNSC licensees and applicants
Stakeholder feedback: Discussion paper DIS-13-01 was published in August 2013 to seek feedback from licensees, the Canadian public, Indigenous groups and other stakeholders on the CNSC's regulatory proposals to amend these regulations. The paper highlighted a number of desired changes, including harmonizing with new international requirements where appropriate, clarifying requirements, and addressing gaps identified post-Fukushima and through lessons learned over time. The What We Heard Report summarizes the comments received during consultation.
Outcomes: The review is complete.
Date of last amendment(s):
- 2007 amendment to Radiation Protection Regulations
- 2015 amendment to Radiation Protection Regulations
- 2017 amendment to Radiation Protection Regulations
- 2020 amendment to Radiation Protection Regulations
Targeted start for review: Completed
For further information:
- DIS-13-01, Proposals to Amend the Radiation Protection Regulations,and What We Heard Report
- DIS-14-02, Modernizing the CNSC's Regulations, and What We Heard Report
- REGDOC-2.7.1, Radiation Protection
- REGDOC-2.7.2, Dosimetry, Volume II: Technical and Management System Requirements for Dosimetry Services
Additional information can be requested from the departmental contact.
Departmental contact:
Lynn Forrest
Director, Regulatory Framework Division
consultation@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca
Ongoing and future reviews
General Nuclear Safety and Control Regulations
Enabling act: Nuclear Safety and Control Act
Rationale: The regulations are undergoing review to reflect best practices for the safeguarding of nuclear material, thereby ensuring continued effective reporting and monitoring of nuclear materials and activities in Canada. A broader review of the regulations will follow to reflect the latest domestic and international developments in nuclear regulation.
Narrative: Provide general regulations with respect to licence applications and renewals; exemptions; obligations of licensees; prescribed nuclear facilities, equipment and information; contamination; record keeping; and inspections.
Regulations apply to: All nuclear facilities and CNSC licensees and applicants
Stakeholder feedback: The CNSC will seek feedback from stakeholders, industry, and Indigenous Nations and communities as part of the regulatory review. Information on future consultation opportunities will be made available prior to finalizing the regulatory review.
Date of last amendment(s):
- 2007 amendment to the General Nuclear Safety and Control Regulations
- 2008 amendment to the General Nuclear Safety and Control Regulations
- 2015 amendment to the General Nuclear Safety and Control Regulations
Targeted start for review: Currently under review
For further information:
A proposed regulatory initiative for these regulations is included in the forward regulatory plan. Additional information can be requested from the departmental contact.
Departmental contact:
Lynn Forrest
Director, Regulatory Framework Division
consultation@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca
Administrative Monetary Penalties Regulations
Enabling act: Nuclear Safety and Control Act
Rationale: The regulations will be updated to reflect changes to the violations that are subject to administrative monetary penalties under the NSCA.
Narrative: Provide the list of violations that are subject to administrative monetary penalties under the NSCA, the method and criteria by which the penalty amounts are determined, and the manner in which notices of violation must be served.
Regulations apply to: All persons subject to the NSCA
Stakeholder feedback: The CNSC will seek feedback from stakeholders, industry, and Indigenous Nations and communities as part of the regulatory review. Information on future consultation opportunities will be made available prior to finalizing the regulatory review.
Date of last amendment(s):
- 2013 amendment to the Administrative Monetary Penalties Regulations
- 2015 amendment to the Administrative Monetary Penalties Regulations
- 2017 amendment to the Administrative Monetary Penalties Regulations
Targeted start for review: 2025
For further information:
Additional information can be requested from the departmental contact.
Departmental contact:
Lynn Forrest
Director, Regulatory Framework Division
consultation@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca
Class I Nuclear Facilities Regulations
Enabling act: Nuclear Safety and Control Act
Rationale: The regulations will be reviewed to reflect the latest domestic and international developments in nuclear regulation.
Narrative: Set out requirements for site preparation, construction, operation and decommissioning licence applications; personnel certifications; record keeping; and timelines for regulatory reviews.
Regulations apply to: Nuclear facilities, including nuclear reactors, large particle accelerators, nuclear processing plants, fuel fabrication plants and waste disposal facilities
Stakeholder feedback: The CNSC will seek feedback from stakeholders, industry, and Indigenous Nations and communities as part of the regulatory review. Information on future consultation opportunities will be made available prior to finalizing the regulatory review.
Date of last amendment(s):
- 2007 amendment to the Class I Nuclear Facilities Regulations
- 2008 amendment to the Class I Nuclear Facilities Regulations
- 2012 amendment to the Class I Nuclear Facilities Regulations
- 2015 amendment to the Class I Nuclear Facilities Regulations
- 2017 amendment to the Class I Nuclear Facilities Regulations
Targeted start for review: 2024
For further information:
Additional information can be requested from the departmental contact.
Departmental contact:
Lynn Forrest
Director, Regulatory Framework Division
consultation@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca
Class II Nuclear Facilities and Prescribed Equipment Regulations
Enabling act: Nuclear Safety and Control Act
Rationale: The regulations will be reviewed to reflect the latest domestic and international developments in nuclear regulation.
Narrative: Set out requirements for licence applications, certification of prescribed equipment, radiation protection and record keeping.
Regulations apply to: Class II facilities and Class II prescribed equipment licensees and applicants
Stakeholder feedback: The CNSC will seek feedback from stakeholders, industry, and Indigenous Nations and communities as part of the regulatory review. Information on future consultation opportunities will be made available prior to finalizing the regulatory review.
Date of last amendment(s):
- 2008 amendment to the Class II Nuclear Facilities and Prescribed Equipment Regulations
- 2010 amendment to the Class II Nuclear Facilities and Prescribed Equipment Regulations
- 2022 amendment to the Class II Nuclear Facilities and Prescribed Equipment Regulations
Targeted start for review: Currently under review
For further information:
Additional information can be requested from the departmental contact.
Departmental contact:
Lynn Forrest
Director, Regulatory Framework Division
consultation@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca
Uranium Mines and Mills Regulations
Enabling act: Nuclear Safety and Control Act
Rationale: The regulations will be reviewed to reflect the latest domestic and international developments in nuclear regulation.
Narrative: Set out requirements for site preparation, construction, operation, decommissioning and abandonment of uranium mines and mills, including licensees' obligations with respect to operating procedures, codes of practice, ventilation systems, use of respirators, protection from gamma radiation, record keeping and timelines for regulatory reviews.
Regulations apply to: Uranium mine and mill licensees and applicants
Stakeholder feedback: The CNSC will seek feedback from stakeholders, industry, and Indigenous Nations and communities as part of the regulatory review. Information on future consultation opportunities will be made available prior to finalizing the regulatory review.
Date of last amendment(s):
- 2007 amendment to the Uranium Mines and Mills Regulations
- 2012 amendment to the Uranium Mines and Mills Regulations
- 2015 amendment to the Uranium Mines and Mills Regulations
- 2017 amendment to the Uranium Mines and Mills Regulations
Targeted start for review: 2025
For further information:
Additional information can be requested from the departmental contact.
Departmental contact:
Lynn Forrest
Director, Regulatory Framework Division
consultation@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca
Nuclear Substances and Radiation Devices Regulations
Enabling act: Nuclear Safety and Control Act
Rationale: The regulations will be reviewed to reflect the latest domestic and international developments in nuclear regulation.
Narrative: Set out requirements for the licensing and certification of nuclear substances and
radiation devices, the use of radiation devices, and record keeping.
Regulations apply to: All nuclear substances, sealed sources and radiation devices licensees and
applicants
Stakeholder feedback: The CNSC will seek feedback from stakeholders, industry, and Indigenous Nations and communities as part of the regulatory review. Information on future consultation opportunities will be made available prior to finalizing the regulatory review.
Date of last amendment(s):
- 2008 amendment to the Nuclear Substances and Radiation Devices Regulations
- 2010 amendment to the Nuclear Substances and Radiation Devices Regulations
- 2015 amendment to the Nuclear Substances and Radiation Devices Regulations
Targeted start for review: Currently under review
For further information:
A proposed regulatory initiative for these regulations is included in the forward regulatory plan. Additional information can be requested from the departmental contact.
Departmental contact:
Lynn Forrest
Director, Regulatory Framework Division
consultation@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca
Packaging and Transport of Nuclear Substances Regulations, 2015
Enabling act: Nuclear Safety and Control Act
Rationale: The regulations will be reviewed to reflect the latest domestic and international developments in nuclear regulation.
Narrative: Set out requirements for transport licences; the transport of nuclear substances; record keeping; and the design and certification of packages, special form radioactive material and other prescribed equipment. The Packaging and Transport of Nuclear Substances Regulations, 2015, incorporate by reference the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material.
Regulations apply to: All persons transporting or offering for transport nuclear substances, including nuclear facilities and CNSC licensees and applicants
Stakeholder feedback: The CNSC will seek feedback from stakeholders, industry, and Indigenous Nations and communities as part of the regulatory review. Information on future consultation opportunities will be made available prior to finalizing the regulatory review.
Date of last amendment(s):
Targeted start for review: Currently under review
For further information:
- DIS-12-06, Proposals to Amend the Packaging and Transport of Nuclear Substances Regulations
- A proposed regulatory initiative for these regulations is included in the forward regulatory plan.
Additional information can be requested from the departmental contact.
Departmental contact:
Lynn Forrest
Director, Regulatory Framework Division
consultation@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca
Enabling act: Nuclear Safety and Control Act
Rationale: The regulations will be reviewed to reflect the latest domestic and international developments in nuclear regulation.
Narrative: Part I defines security-related information requirements and general obligations for a licence application. It also includes information about security requirements for high-security sites. Part II sets out security-related requirements for the licensing and operation of lower-risk facilities.
Regulations apply to: Any CNSC licensee or applicant responsible for Category I, II or III nuclear material or high-security sites
Stakeholder feedback: 2016‒2017 Stakeholder Workshop Report: Periodic Review of the Nuclear Security Regulations
Date of last amendment(s):
- 2010 amendment to the Nuclear Security Regulations
- March 2015 amendment to the Nuclear Security Regulations
- June 2015 amendment to the Nuclear Security Regulations
Targeted start for review: Currently under review
For further information:
- DIS-21-02, Proposals to Amend the Nuclear Security Regulations, DIS-21-03, Cyber Security and the Protection of Digital Information, and What We Heard Report: DIS-21-02 and DIS-21-03
- DIS-14-02, Modernizing the CNSC's Regulations, and What We Heard Report – DIS-14-02
- A proposed regulatory initiative for these regulations is included in the forward regulatory plan.
Additional information can be requested from the departmental contact.
Departmental contact:
Lynn Forrest
Director, Regulatory Framework Division
consultation@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca
Nuclear Non-proliferation Import and Export Control Regulations
Enabling act: Nuclear Safety and Control Act
Rationale: The regulations are undergoing review to update regulatory control of the import and export of controlled nuclear and nuclear-related dual-use substances, equipment and technology (Nuclear Suppliers Group control list). A broader review of the regulations will follow to reflect the latest domestic and international developments in nuclear regulation.
Narrative: Set out requirements for applications for a licence to import or export controlled nuclear substances, controlled nuclear equipment or controlled nuclear information, and establish exemptions from licensing for certain import and export activities.
Regulations apply to: Any CNSC licensee or applicant engaged in import and export activities
Stakeholder feedback: Discussion paper DIS-15-01 was published in
March 2015 to seek feedback from licensees, the Canadian public and other stakeholders on the CNSC’s
regulatory proposal to amend these regulations. The paper highlights several proposed changes, including increased
clarity for many entries, clarification of reporting requirements for nuclear-grade graphite, and a more practical
approach to exporting prescribed information through intangible means (e.g., downloads, email). The
What We Heard Report summarizes the
comments received during consultation.
The CNSC is developing the regulatory proposal for publication in the Canada Gazette, Part I, scheduled for fall 2022.
Date of last amendment(s):
- 2007 amendment to the Nuclear Non-proliferation Import and Export Control Regulations
- 2010 amendment to the Nuclear Non-proliferation Import and Export Control Regulations
- March 2015 amendment to the Nuclear Non-proliferation Import and Export Control Regulations
- June 2015 amendment to the Nuclear Non-proliferation Import and Export Control Regulations
Targeted start for review: Currently under review
For further information:
- DIS-15-01, Proposal to Amend the Nuclear Non-proliferation Import and Export Control Regulations, and What We Heard Report – DIS-15-01
- A proposed regulatory initiative for these regulations is included in the forward regulatory plan.
Additional information can be requested from the departmental contact.
Departmental contact:
Lynn Forrest
Director, Regulatory Framework Division
consultation@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission Cost Recovery Fees Regulations
Enabling act: Nuclear Safety and Control Act
Rationale: The regulations will be reviewed to reflect any changes to the cost recovery fees.
Narrative: Set regulatory fees for the provision of information, products and services, and
prescribe the method of calculating the fees that may be charged for a licence or class of licence.
Regulations apply to: All nuclear facilities and CNSC licensees and applicants
Stakeholder feedback: The CNSC will seek feedback from stakeholders, industry, and Indigenous
Nations and communities as part of the regulatory review. Information on future consultation opportunities will be
made available prior to finalizing the regulatory review.
Date of last amendment(s):
- 2008 amendment to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission Cost Recovery Fees Regulations
- 2015 amendment to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission Cost Recovery Fees Regulations
Targeted start for review: Currently under review
For further information:
Additional information can be requested from the departmental contact.
Departmental contact:
Lynn Forrest
Director, Regulatory Framework Division
consultation@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission Rules of Procedure
Enabling act: Nuclear Safety and Control Act
Rationale: The regulations will be reviewed to reflect any updates to the rules of procedure.
Narrative: Establish the procedures for the CNSC’s decision making and for public hearings,
opportunities to be heard, licence appeals and orders.
Regulations apply to: The CNSC
Stakeholder feedback: The CNSC will seek feedback from stakeholders, industry, and Indigenous
Nations and communities as part of the regulatory review. Information on future consultation opportunities will be
made available prior to finalizing the regulatory review.
Date of last amendment(s):
Targeted start for review: Currently being amended
For further information:
A proposed regulatory initiative for these regulations is included in the forward regulatory plan. Additional information can be requested from the departmental contact.
Departmental contact:
Lynn Forrest
Director, Regulatory Framework Division
consultation@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission By-laws
Enabling act: Nuclear Safety and Control Act
Rationale: Commission by-laws will be reviewed.
Narrative: Establish guidelines relating to the management and conduct of Commission meetings and
affairs, the responsibilities of the Registry (formerly known as the Secretariat), and quorum.
Regulations apply to: The CNSC, all nuclear facilities, and CNSC licensees and
applicants
Stakeholder feedback: The CNSC will seek feedback from stakeholders, industry, and Indigenous
Nations and communities as part of the regulatory review. Information on future consultation opportunities will be
made available prior to finalizing the regulatory review.
Date of last amendment:
Targeted start for review: Currently being amended
For further information:
A proposed regulatory initiative for these regulations is included in the forward regulatory plan. Additional information can be requested from the departmental contact.
Departmental contact:
Lynn Forrest
Director, Regulatory Framework Division
consultation@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca
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