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What you need to know
To import or export radioactive material in New Zealand, you must obtain a consent under section 24 of the Radiation Safety Act 2016. Some conditions and exemptions may apply.
You can read more about consents on the NZ Legislation website.
Before applying, make sure you understand the following.
- How to register as an importer or exporter.
- Types of consents and conditions that apply.
- How to apply and pay the fee.
- Exemptions that may apply.
- How to keep your registration details up to date.
You do not need consent to import or export an irradiating apparatus. However, you must register the apparatus and notify the Director as soon as possible after change in location or possession, disposal or export.
How to apply for consent
Step 1. Register as an importer or exporter
If you’re applying for the first time, register with the Office of Radiation Safety. Registration is free, quick, and ensures your details are saved for future applications.
Download and return the completed registration form below.
Keep your details current: Notify the Office of Radiation Safety of any changes to your registration.
Note for import agents: If you're clearing radioactive material through Customs on behalf of another party, you're considered the importer and must obtain the consent.
Step 2. Identify the type of consent you need
There are two types of consents:
- General consent: for recurring imports of unsealed radioactive material
About general consents
The Office of Radiation Safety issues general consents for imports involving unsealed radioactive material, such as radiopharmaceuticals with short half-lives.
Key features of general consents:
- authorise recurring imports in advance
- require quarterly reporting to the Office of Radiation Safety
- help facilitate efficient border clearance.
Conditions include:
- maintaining accurate records
- using the correct tariff code
- filing quarterly transaction returns using the supplied template
- retaining and making records available for compliance monitoring.
Each general consent also sets monthly limits of the amount of radioactive material that can be imported. If you need to import more than the authorised limit, you must apply for an individual consent.
These limits are set at levels that are unlikely to be exceeded for the normal purposes of their consent.
- Individual consent: for all other imports and exports, including:
- sealed radioactive material
- unsealed material exceeding general consent limits
- transhipments of nuclear material.
About individual consents
You must apply for an individual consent if you are importing or exporting:
- sealed radioactive material
- unsealed radioactive material on a single occasion, or in quantities exceeding your general consent
- transhipment of nuclear material.
Important: An individual consent must be obtained before the radioactive material is consigned for transport into or out of New Zealand
Step 3: Check for exemptions
Under the Radiation Safety Regulations 2016 (the Regulations), consent is not required for the following sources when they meet the conditions set in the regulation:
- Regulation 10: americium-241 in smoke detectors
- Regulation 11: nickel-63 or hydrogen-3 (tritium) in electron capture devices
- Regulation 12: hydrogen-3 gaseous tritium light sources.
Radiation sources that only enter New Zealand temporarily
Under regulation 14 of the Radiation Safety Regulations 2016, consent is not required for:
- radioactive material that temporarily enters New Zealand, that is destined for a place outside of New Zealand, and either:
- stays on board a ship or aircraft, or
- is transferred to another ship or aircraft for the purpose of leaving New Zealand.
Note: These exemptions do not apply to nuclear material (such as uranium ore concentrate) which requires both individual import and export consents.
The exemptions provided by regulations 10, 11, 12 and 14 of the Regulations mean that a consent is not required. However, if you deal with this material, you must do so in accordance with the remainder of the Radiation Safety Act 2016. This includes ensuring radiation protection, ensuring safety and security of the radioactive material, and meeting the requirements of any relevant code of practice issued under the Act.
Step 4. Apply for consent
Complete and return the relevant application form below. Once processed, we will send you an invoice for the correct fee.
Sealed radioactive material
Unsealed radioactive material
Step 5. Pay the consent fee
Upon successful completion of your application, you will receive an invoice with payment details.
Fees (including GST):
- $267.95: high-activity radioactive material on a single occasion (see Schedule 4 of the Radiation Safety Regulations 2016)
- $187.45: low-activity radioactive material on a single occasion
- $187.45: low-activity unsealed radioactive material on 2 or more occasions during the period of the consent.
Customs arrangements
The Office of Radiation Safety works with New Zealand Customs Service to streamline border clearance and reporting.
Even exempt materials may require an import permit number. If needed, an advisory note can be issued at no cost.
