Section 13(b) of the Radiation Safety Act 2016 (the Act) states that no person may use a radiation source without a use licence unless the Act or the Radiation Safety Regulations 2016 provide otherwise. This page provides information on use licences and provides a link to information on the situations where a use licence is not required.
Section 21(3) of the Act states that the use of a radiation source includes:
- the use of radiation emitting from a radiation source
- causing the radiation source to emit radiation
- administering, injecting, or implanting radioactive material into a person, animal, plant or thing.
Who needs a use licence
Every individual who is intending to use a radiation source will need to obtain a use licence unless the intended use is for a situation where a use licence is not required.
Section 21(2) of the Act states that only a natural person (ie, an individual) can apply for a use licence. A use licence application for an organisation or for a category of people (without specifying the individuals) will be declined by the Director.
Section 22(1) of the Act sets outwhen the Director may grant a use licence.
The training, qualification and experience requirements to obtain a use licence vary depending on the situation. For more details, please contact the Office of Radiation Safety ([email protected]).
How to apply
Please send your completed use licence application form to us at [email protected] or mail to the address below if necessary:
Office of Radiation Safety
Ministry of Health
PO Box 5013
Wellington 6140
It is recommended that you send us your completed application form at least 3 weeks before you need your use licence or renewal to be processed.
All application forms we receive go through our assessment process, and an invoice will be emailed if no further information is required. The assessment process usually takes 3 to 5 working days after the receipt of your application form.
Once we have received the fee, our target is to process the completed application within 10 working days
Forms for new applicants
Application for new use licence (PDF, 129 KB)
Forms for existing licence holders for renewal
Application for renewal of a use licence (PDF, 109 KB)
Fee structure
| Fee for 1 year | Fee for 2 years | Fee for 3 years | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Use licence | $469.20 | $756.70 | $1,044.20 |
| Fee for 1 year | Fee for 2 years | Fee for 3 years | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Use licence | $287.50 | $575.00 | $862.50 |