Egypt Revises Nuclear Activities Law to Strengthen Oversight

President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi has officially approved changes to the legislation governing nuclear and radiological activities in Egypt, as published in the country's official gazette.

The amendments are designed to bolster the regulatory authority of the Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Authority over all facilities and operations involving nuclear energy. This move aims to ensure the peaceful use of atomic energy across various sectors while safeguarding human health, the environment, and property from the dangers posed by ionizing radiation.

Enhancing Regulatory Authority and Legal Framework

The revised law seeks to improve the efficiency of the regulatory body by addressing legislative shortcomings identified during the practical application of the existing law. It provides the authority with stronger legal tools to protect its rights when dealing with third parties, including administrative seizure powers.

Additionally, the amendments introduce provisions for reconciliation processes and carve out exceptions for the medical sector, reflecting a nuanced approach to regulation.

Defining Radiological Facilities

The updated legislation clarifies the definition of "radiological facilities," encompassing irradiation establishments, sites for handling, processing, and storing radioactive waste, production centers for radioactive isotopes, mining and processing locations for radioactive ores, as well as facilities housing electronic and ion accelerators.

Legislative Process

The Egyptian House of Representatives had earlier approved the government's proposed amendments to the law originally enacted as Law No. 7 of 2010, which governs nuclear and radiological activities in the country.