Updating regulation of radioactive waste and spent fuel
Published 4 November 2026
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/energy-independence-bill-factsheets/updating-regulation-of-radioactive-waste-and-spent-fuel
Factsheet relating to the Energy Independence Bill.
Summary
This measure provides powers to update regulations on the import and export of radioactive waste and spent fuel to and from the UK. This will ensure that the UK continues to have a modern, agile and clear regulatory framework to protect people and the environment.
Why are we legislating?
The UK government has no suitable primary powers to update regulations covering the import and export of radioactive waste as and when international best practice, or international obligations, change. This can lead to a lack of clarity for UK industry, which can add cost.
One example is the regulation of the import and export of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM). Under current regulations, this is treated differently to other types of radioactive waste, and differently to regulations of key UK trading partners.
This legislation will also allow the UK government to explore how the present regulations could be potentially streamlined, reducing burdens on regulators and businesses.
What are the government’s objectives with this measure?
This measure contributes to providing a modern regulatory framework for nuclear and radioactive substances, which is important for ensuring the UK’s position globally as a responsible nuclear nation.
The offshore oil and gas industry is the largest producer of NORM waste in the UK. Ensuring an effective and enabling regulatory framework for offshore decommissioning is important to ensure a just transition in the North Sea.
It is a long-standing policy position of the UK that, in general, radioactive waste should neither be imported or exported. However, there are instances where the sending waste abroad for treatment, or receiving it into the UK, can represent the most economic and best environmental option. Our policy is clear that the UK should not become a destination for the disposal of other countries’ radioactive waste, and an effective regulatory framework ensures this.