National Report on Implementation of the Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources in the Republic of Macedonia

This report provides an overview of the current status on the implementation of the Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources, and its supplementary Guidance on Import and Export in the Republic of Macedonia. In the Report a brief analysis of Macedonian legislation and regulation currently in force in regard of the issues regulated by the Code and the Guidance is presented. National regulatory infrastructure for radiation safety and nuclear security in the Republic of Macedonia, covering the main functions of the regulatory body, duties and responsibilities of technical service organizations and advisory body of the national regulatory body, is presented as well. Special emphasize on the progress regarding the radiation safety, nuclear security and the overall implementation of the Code and the Guidance in the last three years was made. In addition, the report covers the provisions in regard of import/export and transit of radioactive sources, describing the national system for import/export and transit authorization and presenting the unified electronic system for application and issuing the license for import, export and transit of radioactive material, whereas its main advantages: safe, fast, user friendly full time accessibility, are stressed. The report contains shortly, details for National register of radioactive sources and Macedonian experience in establishing and maintenance the register. The management of radioactive waste and disused radioactive sources is addressed in the report, as well as the national position in regard of orphan sources is stipulated, including some experience concerning orphan sources gained so far. Mitigating and minimizing the radiological consequences of accidents and malicious acts involving radioactive sources, in accordance with the National radiation emergency plan and in line with the Code are also part of this report. Confidentiality of information is covered as well in this report. The report finds that the Republic of Macedonia has implemented the provisions of the Code and the Guidance into national legislation and regulations to great extend and that those provisions are strictly followed in everyday practice of the relevant stakeholders involved in the national regulatory infrastructure for radiation safety and nuclear security. The report also locates the areas whereas the national legislation and regulation is not fully in compliance with the Code and the Guidance and whereas further improvement in safety and security of radioactive sources is possible and which is already considered by the regulatory body to be improved in near future. (author)