Package designs requiring competent authority approval and package designs not requiring competent authority approval

Basically for each package design for the transport of radioactive material the compliance with the applicable national and international provisions must be proven. One differentiates between package designs requiring competent authority approval and those not requiring competent authority approval.

The approval procedure of package designs for the transport of radioactive material in Germany is explained in the guideline R 003. In addition, the Technical Guide “Package Design Safety Reports for the Transport of Radioactive Material” provides further advice on content and structure of a safety report (as proof of compliance with safety related requirements) for package designs requiring competent authority approval. Here you will find also information and support on preparation of a documentary evidence of the compliance with the provisions for package designs not requiring competent authority approval.

The Federal Office for the Safety of Nuclear Waste Management (BASE) is the competent authority for granting the package design approval for type B(U), type B(M) and type C packages as well as for packages containing fissile material and which are not excepted from the applicable approval requirements for fissile material.

The “Guide for the transport of materials containing fissile nuclides” provides support for the assignment of fissile material as well as advice on the application of the respective provisions.

Validation of foreign package design approvals

A validation from the national competent authority is possibly necessary if packages with a foreign package design approval requiring competent authority approval will be transported in Germany. BASE is the competent authority for the validation of foreign package design approvals. The procedure for the validation is also explained in the guideline R 003.