BLOG
United States: NRC Proposes Modernization of Radioactive Material Regulations Impacting Various Industries Nationwide
- #EHS
- #NRC
- #US Nuclear regulatory commission
On May 18, 2026, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) proposed a rule to update regulations for radioactive materials.
The rule affects industries like medical facilities, industrial radiography, and consumer product manufacturers.
Key changes include new financial assurance calculations, a new licensing category, and the removal of certain reporting requirements.
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has proposed a rule to modernize regulations for radioactive byproduct, source, and special nuclear materials, impacting entities like medical facilities, industrial radiographers, and manufacturers of consumer products with radioactive materials.
Key changes include aligning decommissioning financial assurance calculations with current radiation protection limits, excluding radionuclides with a half-life of 120 days or less, and introducing a new Standard General License (SGL) category for routine activities, allowing eligible entities to register and certify compliance instead of applying for a full license.
Manufacturers of exempt radioactive consumer products will no longer need to submit annual transfer reports, though record maintenance remains necessary. Well logging leak testing intervals will be based on device registration, and survey meter calibration will extend to 12 months, with some notification requirements removed.
The proximity requirement for PET radionuclide consortia will be eliminated, focusing on joint ownership or shared costs. Agreement State licensees will benefit from a shorter notification period and the removal of certain physical protection obligations, with the new SGL framework recognized for reciprocity.
The NRC aims to streamline administrative and financial requirements without compromising safety standards, with non-compliance leading to penalties or corrective actions.
Sources :
EHS regulatory compliance and monitoring – an expert solution to ensure your organization’s compliance
Stay ahead of evolving HSE requirements across 500+ jurisdictions, with daily updates curated by our in-house legal experts.