Basic information
Outline of the system
The UK requires an import licence when: Uranium Ore concentrates; and Plutonium, Uranium 233, Uranium enriched in the isotopes 233 or 235, natural Uranium and mixtures, compounds and alloys containing any of the foregoing, including spent or irradiated nuclear reactor fuel elements; (together referred to as "Nuclear Materials") are imported into the UK.
This import licensing system is administered by the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR). These licenses give the UK control over potentially fissile material, which is important on national security grounds.
Product coverage
The following nuclear materials currently require an import licence when imported into the UK from outside the EU:
Ex 26 12 Uranium ore concentrates;
Ex 28 44 Plutonium, uranium 233, uranium enriched in the isotopes 233 or 235, natural uranium and mixtures, compounds and alloys containing any of the foregoing, including spent or irradiated nuclear reactor fuel elements (cartridges).
Nature of licensing
Automatic
If Automatic, administrative purpose
Non-Automatic
If Non-Automatic, description of the notified Non-Automatic Licensing regime
Non-Automatic licensing to regulate imports of fissionable materials and safeguard national security.
Products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
The import licensing requirement exists to prevent nuclear material that could be used to make an improvised nuclear device from falling into the wrong hands (i.e., a national security and nuclear non-proliferation concern). When the shipments are stopped at the border by radiation detectors, the accompanying import licence enables Border Force officials to determine its legitimacy and proceed accordingly.
Removing the import licensing requirement for relevant nuclear material would diminish ONR's ability to identify imports that should not take place, or add conditions or caveats to imports, to suitably check and address any concerns over the materials intended use for making an improvised nuclear device. For this reason, alternative methods have not been considered.
Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
Not applicable.
The system applies to products originating from which country?
Import licensing arrangements cover all imports of relevant nuclear materials into the UK. All nuclear imports will be subject to the same import licensing procedures.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Ongoing
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
The import licensing restriction on these materials (via their inclusion in the Annex to the Open General Import Licence), gives these materials "prohibited and restricted" status. This licensing restriction enables designated customs officials to use powers contained in the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 (CEMA) to search for these materials at the border and to seize or detain imports if they reasonably believe them to be prohibited or restricted and if they suspect they are being imported illegally.
Does the legislation leave designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion?
The underlying Annex to Open General Imports Licences will be amended to provide that licences will be required for all relevant nuclear imports coming into the UK.
Is it possible for the government to abolish the system without legislative approval?
Eligibility of applicants
Is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation?
What persons or firms are eligible to apply for a licence?
Any company registered with Companies House is eligible to apply for a licence. Applicants do not need to register anywhere else to apply for the licences.
Is there a registration fee?
Applicants and licensees do not pay any fees for the licences. An application consists of two forms: a declaration signed by a director of a company, authorising an individual to apply on behalf of the company; and an application signed by the individual.
Is there a published list of authorized importers?
Lists of applicants or licensees are not published.
Contact point for information on eligibility
Ministry/Authority
Office for Nuclear Regulation
Address
Building 4, Redgrave Court, Merton Road, Bootle, L20 7HS, UK
Telephone
+44 (07786555674/07507837880/07786555983)
Fax
+44 (0151 922 7636)
Contact officer
Submission of an application
Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application
Office for Nuclear Regulation
Documentation requirements
What information is required in applications?
Detailed information and guidance is available on GOV.UK and forms can be accessed at https://www.onr.org.uk/cnss/licensing.htm.
What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
Window of submission of an application
How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?
There is no fixed period for submitting a specific license application in advance of importation, although it must be reviewed and a license must be issued before the importation occurs. However, we recommend that operators submit their application two months before the importation.
Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain
There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which a specific import license application can be submitted to ONR.
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
No - around two months for granting from receipt of application to ONR. A specific license would not be granted immediately upon request. Applicants should allow up to two months from the date an application is received by ONR.
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence
Goods without a licence will not be granted access to the UK on entry at any Port without a valid one in place.
Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?
ONR will grant the licence and will undertake discussions with other organisations, as is required, for approval.
Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?
Are there any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence?
Importers applying for licence are required to declare the quantity of materials to be covered by the licence.
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
There is no application fee.
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?
Not applicable.
Amount or rate?
Is it refundable?
What is the period of retention?
What is the purpose of this requirement?
Refusal of an application
Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than failure to meet the ordinary criteria?
Licence could be refused under the Nuclear Industries Security Regulations due to over excessive quantities, legal entity of the company importing etc.
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
Any refusal, provided no sensitivities, would be given the reason(s) in an open and transparent manner.
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?
Right of appeal in the first instance would be in writing to the Deputy Chief Nuclear Inspector at ONR.
If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?
Right of appeal in the first instance would be in writing to the Deputy Chief Nuclear Inspector at ONR.
Importation
Are there any limitations as to the period of year during which importation may be made?
What documents are required upon actual importation?
Importer must carry the licence along with other relevant identification documents.
Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?
Customs declarations.
Conditions of licensing
What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?
A valid licence only remains valid for 12 months from the date of issue. A new licence must be applied after its expiration date.
Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?
Not applicable.
Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?
No, licences cannot be transferred between importers.
Foreign Exchange
Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported?
Not applicable.
Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange?
Not applicable.
Is foreign exchange always available to cover licences issued?
Not applicable.
What formalities must be fulfilled for obtaining the foreign exchange?
Not applicable.