Egyptian House of Representatives Approves Legislative Amendments to Enhance Oversight of Nuclear and Radiological Activities
The Energy and Environment Committee of Egypt’s House of Representatives has preliminarily approved a draft law amending provisions of the 2010 Nuclear and Radiological Activities Regulation Law. This step aims to enhance safety standards and align with modern developments in this vital sector.
Content of the Legislative Amendments
Tightening Oversight of Radioactive Materials
The draft prohibits importing, customs-clearing, exporting, or transporting radioactive materials without prior approval from the Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Authority. It also criminalizes handling licensed radioactive materials or sources without the authority’s consent, according to local media reports.
Expanding the Authority’s Powers
Amendments designate the authority’s funds as public funds and grant it administrative seizure rights to collect dues. Entities seeking to manufacture critical nuclear facility safety systems must obtain prior licensing from the authority.
New Penalty System
The draft establishes imprisonment and financial penalties for violators to strengthen compliance with regulatory controls and standards for handling nuclear and radiological materials.
Motives for the Legislative Amendments
Addressing Legislative Gaps
A committee report indicated that current fees for certain licenses and permits are inadequate and lack progressive scaling based on activity scope and nature. Energy and Environment Committee member Abdelbaki Turkiya noted the authority previously lacked administrative seizure rights for debt collection.
Enhancing Community Protection
Turkiya confirmed the 2010 law required essential amendments to address practical implementation gaps, particularly in tightening oversight and preventing irregularities in radioactive material handling, necessitating reinforced legislative controls.
Implementation Mechanism and Controls
Ensuring Cost Balance
During discussions, the committee ensured fees wouldn’t impose unjustified burdens, especially for service-oriented sectors like healthcare, balancing oversight requirements with facilitating vital services.
Strengthening Oversight Frameworks
Amendments aim to modernize the legislative framework governing nuclear and radiological activities to align with current developments. Official statements emphasize establishing clearer controls and stricter procedures to decisively address violations.
Next Step for the Project
Path to Final Approval
Abdelbaki Turkiya stated the draft law will be presented to the House of Representatives’ general session soon, expressing hope for its approval given the urgent need to enhance safety and oversight systems for nuclear and radiological activities.
Future Vision
Amendments affirm their role in supporting safe, peaceful nuclear energy use while protecting humans and the environment from potential risks. This reinforces societal security and aligns with international standards in this critical field.
This legislative move forms part of institutional reforms aimed at strengthening regulatory frameworks for high-risk activities. It maintains balance between development requirements and public safety guarantees in a sector prioritized within national development strategies.
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