Transport a radioactive substance

The transport of radioactive substances within Queensland is regulated under the Radiation Safety Act 1999.

Know which form you need?

This page contains the following licence to transport form:

Who needs this licence?

You will need this licence if you seek to transport radioactive substances within Queensland.

Application exemptions

You do not need to apply for a Transport Licence if the radioactive substance is being transported in accordance with the Transport Code and:

  • the radioactive substance is enclosed in an excepted package as defined in the Transport Code
    OR
  • the sealed source apparatus is being transported by a person who is licensed to use the radioactive substances for:
    • industrial radiography
    • geotechnical measurements
    • borehole logging.

Apply for a Transport Licence

You can apply for a licence to transport radioactive substances as an individual or a company:

  • Individual Transport Licences:
    • road Transport Licence
    • licence to transport by air, sea or rail (includes security enhanced sources and fissile material)
  • Company Transport Licences:
    • licence to transport by air, sea or rail (includes security enhanced sources and fissile material).

Note: Companies cannot apply for a licence to transport radioactive substances by road.

Applications need to include:

Both individual and company Transport Licensees need to have a Radiation Protection Program for the safe transport of radioactive materials.

Radiation protection program

Individual and companies that transport radioactive substances need to have a Radiation Protection Program under the ARPANSA Code of Practice for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material 2014.

A standard program is available that satisfies the Code requirements: Radiation Protection Programme for the Transport of Radioactive Materials (PDF 73 kB)

All other Radiation Protection Programs need to be sent to Radiation Health for approval. The proposed program needs to detail the arrangements made to ensure radiation safety.

Fees

You will need to pay a licence fee. If you do not hold a current licence you will also need to pay an application fee.

See Schedule of fees to determine the fee you will need to pay.

Applications to transport security enhanced sources

You will need to pay a fee to have a security and criminal history check performed. Your application to transport a security enhanced source will only be considered once this step has been done.

Licence duration

Transport Licences can last for 1, 2 or 3 years.

Renewal applications need to be made before your licence expires. You will be sent a reminder and renewal application form before your licence expires.

Individual Transport Licences

Road Transport Licence—transport radioactive substances by road

Application for a Licence to Transport a Radioactive Substance (PDF 959 kB)

Use this form if you seek to transport a radioactive substance by road within Queensland. This licence does not include security enhanced sources.

Only individuals can apply for this licence.

Note: Companies cannot apply for a licence to transport radioactive substances by road.

Licence to transport radioactive substances by air, sea or rail or security enhanced sources

Application for a Licence to Transport a Radioactive Substance (PDF 959 kB)

Use this form if you seek to transport:

  • radioactive substances by air, sea or rail (but not by road)
  • fissile material or security enhanced sources.

You can apply for this licence as a company or an individual.

Company Transport Licences

Licence to transport radioactive substances by air, sea or rail or security enhanced sources

Application for a Licence to Transport a Radioactive Substance (PDF 959 kB)

Use this form if you seek to transport:

  • radioactive substances by air, sea or rail (but not by road)
  • fissile material or security enhanced sources.

You can apply for this licence as a company or an individual.

Training for staff

Companies that hold a Transport Licence need to provide training to staff involved in the transport of the radioactive substances.

Training should include:

  • a direction to refer to the Transport Code
  • the responsibilities of the consignor and driver
  • consignments must be checked before they are accepted for transport
  • where and when radiation warning signs are to be placed on the vehicle
  • limitations on the packages that may be transported
  • how packages must be stored while in transit
  • procedures in the event of an accident or incident.

Last updated: 21 November 2023