Radioactive Substances Act 1993 (RSA 1993) meaning

The UK statute that historically regulated the keeping and use of radioactive material and the accumulation and disposal of radioactive waste. In practice it required authorisations for activities, imposed conditions, and created offences and enforcement powers. Core concepts (including “radioactive material” and “radioactive waste”) are defined in the Act and subordinate legislation. Current position by jurisdiction: - England and Wales: the RSA 1993 authorisation regime has been replaced by the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016 (EPR 2016). Operators now require an environmental permit for “radioactive substances activities” from the Environment Agency (England) or Natural Resources Wales (Wales). - Scotland: superseded by the Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018 (EASR 2018), with authorisations granted by SEPA. - Northern Ireland: the RSA 1993 (as amended) continues to apply, with authorisations administered by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA). Although largely repealed in England and Wales and replaced in Scotland, the Radioactive Substances Act 1993 remains relevant for legacy authorisations, transitional provisions, offences still in force, and interpretation of historic contracts and case law, and it continues to govern compliance in Northern Ireland. The RSA 1993 does not apply in Ireland, where radioactive substances are regulated under Irish legislation.