Oman’s Environment Authority (EA) has announced a six-month grace period for entities operating radiation-related activities without the required regulatory licenses to regularize their status. The initiative, unveiled on June 13, aims to enhance compliance and bolster radiation safety standards across the country.

Ahmed bin Khalfan al Shueili, Head of the Radiation Licensing Section at the Environment Authority, emphasized that the grace period is designed to encourage voluntary compliance rather than impose immediate sanctions or legal proceedings. The move follows recent inspections revealing several radiation practices functioning without the necessary licenses or full adherence to national technical standards.

“This grace period provides an opportunity for institutions to disclose unlicensed activities and submit licensing applications,” Al Shueili said. The objective is to improve radiation safety, strengthen the national licensing database, and ensure the safe use of radiation technologies to protect public health and the environment.

Radiation activities regulated under the initiative include the use, possession, import, export, transport, storage, or operation of radiation sources and nuclear materials employed in multiple sectors. These range from healthcare applications such as diagnostic imaging, radiotherapy, and nuclear medicine, to industrial uses including inspection, measurement, and process control. Research, education, and security sectors that utilize radioactive equipment or materials are also encompassed.

Entities engaged in such practices without proper approval are urged to comply by submitting licensing applications through the Environment Authority’s electronic system. Each application will undergo a technical and regulatory review to confirm conformity with safety standards before issuance of licenses. Facilities holding radiation-emitting devices must display their licenses prominently once obtained.

The Environment Authority has established dedicated communication channels to assist organizations during the grace period. Through inspections, monitoring programs, and national databases, the authority has been identifying radiation practices across sectors to encourage entities without licenses or incomplete compliance to regularize their operations.

“Radiation licensing is a critical safeguard, not just an administrative formality,” Al Shueili noted. The licensing process ensures adherence to internationally recognized safety standards by verifying radiation protection measures, staff competency, monitoring systems, emergency preparedness, and safe handling procedures.

He warned that continuing to operate without a license could increase risks to workers, the public, and the environment by limiting regulatory oversight. After the six-month grace period concludes, enforcement actions and penalties stipulated by applicable laws will be implemented to address ongoing violations.

Healthcare institutions utilizing X-ray and other radiation-based equipment form a significant part of the regulated entities under this initiative. The Environment Authority expects the grace period will help cultivate a culture of compliance and reduce unlicensed radiation activities across Oman.