Frequently asked questions

1. Can I purchase nuclear substances and/or radiation devices abroad for use in Canada?
In order to purchase nuclear substances or radiation devices from outside Canada, your licence must authorize the possession and importation of the radioactive material in question. The licensee is responsible for ensuring that their licence includes the right to import. Please note that you must also comply with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Import and Export Control Regulations and any radiation device must be certified in Canada before it can be used. 

Read about Licensing: nuclear substances and radiation devices for more information.

2. Can I sell nuclear substances and/or radiation devices from Canada in other countries?
In order to sell nuclear substances and radiation devices outside of Canada, your licence must authorize the exportation of the radioactive material in question. You must also comply with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Import and Export Control Regulations.

Read about import and export controls for more information.

3. What are the requirements for transporting nuclear substances and radioactive devices?
Through the Packaging and Transport of Nuclear Substances Regulations (PTNS Regulations), the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) regulates all aspects of the packaging of radioactive material, including the design, production, use, inspection, maintenance and repair of packages. There are general design requirements that apply to all package types to ensure that they can be handled safely and easily, secured properly and are able to withstand routine conditions of transport. The PTNS regulations require that certain types of packages be certified by the CNSC prior to being used in Canada.

The responsibility for meeting the regulations rests with the consignor, who must be able to provide written demonstration that the package meets the regulatory performance standards as defined in the PTNS regulations before they can be used in Canada.

Read more about the packaging and transport of nuclear substances.

Read the CNSC fact sheet Regulating the Packaging and Transport of Nuclear Substances (PDF).

4. How do I dispose of nuclear substances and/or radiation devices?
The disposal of nuclear substances must be done in accordance with your licence, the Nuclear Safety and Control Act and its associated regulations. Licensees may also transfer unwanted radioactive material to a licensee authorized to possess the radioactive material, who may in turn proceed with its disposal. Please contact us for more information.

5. Do I have to submit an annual compliance report (ACR) even during licence renewal years?
A licence condition entitled “annual compliance report” requires you to submit an ACR even for the year the licence is renewed. The information provided in the ACR is supplementary information that is not part of the renewal application.

6. What reporting period is the ACR for?
The ACR is for a 12-month period, with the due date for submission to the CNSC specified in a condition of the licence. The CNSC will send you an ACR reminder letter approximately three months before the due date.

7. Where do I send my licence renewal application?
Read about the process for submitting an application.

8. How do I revoke (cancel) my licence and where do I find the form for this?
Read about the process for revoking a licence.

9. How do I request a licence amendment?
Read about the process for licence amendment requests.

10. How much will my licence cost and what are the fees for it?
To find out the fees for your licence, please contact a financial services specialist at 1-888-229-2672 or email your inquiry. The licensing fees and fees exemptions are included in the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission Cost Recovery Fees Regulations.
 
11. Where do I find applicable guides and forms?
Visit the CNSC’s forms page for links to application forms and guides. You can also visit the additional documentation and information listings for nuclear substances and radiation devices.

12. What are the requirements for survey meters?
The regulatory requirements for the use of survey meters may be found in section 20 of the Nuclear Substances and Radiation Devices Regulations. The CNSC has prepared information regarding the regulatory expectations for the calibration of survey meters. See Appendix Z of REGDOC-1.6.1 Licence Application Guide: Nuclear Substances and Radiation Devices, version 2 (PDF)

13. What are the requirements for leak testing? 
The regulatory requirements for the leak testing of sealed sources may be found in section 18 of the Nuclear Substances and Radiation Devices Regulations. The CNSC has prepared information regarding the regulatory expectations for the leak testing of sealed sources. See Appendix AA of REGDOC-1.6.1 Licence Application Guide: Nuclear Substances and Radiation Devices, version 2 (PDF)

14. I think the radiation safety officer (RSO) in my company is not taking appropriate measures to protect us. Can I file a complaint?
It is not in the mandate of the CNSC to regulate or solve internal conflicts, however if there are health and safety concerns, you may contact your CNSC licensing officer at 1-888-229-2672. The CNSC will follow-up with licensee management and the RSO. Your identity will be kept confidential.

15. Whom can I contact if I have questions?
For Licensees:
For licensing questions, contact your CNSC licensing officer at 1-888-229-2672. The main menu will prompt you to enter the first seven digits of your licence number (i.e. 01234-01). If the number after the dash is a single digit number, please enter “0” before the digit (01, 02, 03, etc.). Alternately, you can send an email.
If you have a complaint regarding the licensing process, you can call the CNSC at 1-888-229-2672 and ask to speak to the designated officer responsible for licensing of nuclear substances and radiation devices.

For non-licensees:
If you are not a current CNSC licensee, write or call the CNSC.

Top of page