Customs tightens radiation security measures across all ports
The General Administration of Customs (Kuwait) has issued new directives requiring all customs ports in the country to operate radiation monitoring gates continuously and without interruption, as part of strengthened national measures to enhance nuclear and radiological security.
According to a newly issued circular, all goods, transport vehicles and shipping containers entering the country must undergo inspection through radiation detection gates and supporting monitoring devices to ensure full compliance with safety regulations and to prevent the unauthorized movement of radioactive materials.
The administration emphasized that the decision reflects its commitment to enforcing laws governing nuclear and radiological protection and reinforcing Kuwait’s national safety framework, reports Al-Rai daily.
The measures are based on the Law Regulating the Use of Ionizing Radiation and Protection from its Risks, the Environmental Protection Law and its amendments, and ministerial regulations governing the safe transport of radioactive materials, in line with international agreements and standards.
Strict controls on monitoring systems
Customs authorities stressed that radiation monitoring gates must not be stopped, disabled or bypassed under any circumstances except in emergency technical situations.
Such cases require prior coordination with the designated liaison officer at the Radiation Protection Department of the Ministry of Health (Kuwait), along with full documentation of procedures in accordance with approved protocols.
Clear procedures for radiation alerts
The circular also outlined a detailed mechanism for handling radiation alerts detected at customs points. Procedures include confirming the alarm using portable radiation monitoring equipment and immediately halting the transport vehicle or shipment involved.
Officials must then verify that shipments do not contain unauthorized radioactive materials and confirm that drivers or transport personnel have not recently undergone radiation-based medical treatment that could trigger false alarms.
If a potential risk is detected, the vehicle or shipment must be isolated and secured in line with approved protection requirements, while the relevant liaison officer at the Ministry of Health is notified immediately.
Customs further instructed that no shipment subject to a radiation alert may be released without official written approval from the competent authority.
Authorities must also prepare an official seizure report documenting the incident and retain it within approved records.
The new measures form part of ongoing efforts to strengthen border security, safeguard public health and ensure that all imports comply with national and international radiological safety standards.
