Rules of radiation control by state revenue bodies across the state border of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Radiation control is a check of the level of ionizing radiation emanating from goods and (or) vehicles transported across the customs border of the Eurasian Economic Union, and comparing it with the natural background in order to ensure safety for the population and the environment.

Radiation control of goods and vehicles is one of the types of customs control carried out at checkpoints and other places of movement across the customs border of the EAEU, which is carried out for the purpose of radiation safety of the population in the customs territory of the EAEU and the Republic of Kazakhstan in accordance with the legislation of the EAEU and the Republic of Kazakhstan.

For radiation monitoring, state revenue agencies use stationary and portable RV radiation monitoring systems adapted to the terrain of the area of activity of the state revenue agency.

Taking into account the type of equipment used , radiation monitoring at checkpoints and other places across the customs border of the Eurasian Economic Union within the framework of customs control consists of the following stages:

1) primary radiation monitoring;

2) additional radiation monitoring;

3) in-depth radiation examination;

4) expertise.

The purpose of primary radiation control is to promptly identify and isolate from the flow of goods and vehicles objects with an increased (relative to the natural radiation background) radiation dose level (hereinafter referred to as objects), which is carried out by officials of state revenue bodies controlling the placement of goods and vehicles in the customs control zone and performing customs inspection.

For the purposes of primary radiation monitoring, automated radiation monitoring systems of RV (hereinafter referred to as ASRK RV) are used – stationary RV detection equipment, and in its absence or malfunction – portable radiation monitoring equipment.

The objects identified during the primary radiation control with an increased radiation dose level are isolated from the general flow of goods and vehicles. The allocated objects are placed on a section of the customs control zone determined by an official of the state revenue authority (an open area, a separate room, remote from the total mass of goods and vehicles at a distance of at least 20 meters) for additional radiation monitoring with the display of warning signs of radiation danger, clearly visible from a distance of at least 3 meters.

In case of operation of stationary RV detection equipment via the neutron channel, further actions of an official of the state revenue authority to localize and identify sources of ionizing radiation are carried out using measuring devices of the RV ASRK having neutron radiation detectors.

The grounds for additional radiation monitoring of goods and vehicles are:

1) results of primary radiation monitoring;

2) obtaining operational information from the subjects of operational investigative activities;

3) the results of the inspection of shipping documents;

4) identification of signs of the presence of RV and goods with a high content of radionuclides, including the detection of signs of radiation hazard, characteristic protective containers (packages).

The objectives of additional radiation monitoring are:

1) finding out the reasons for the operation of RV detection equipment;

2) search and localization of objects with an increased radiation dose level, measurement of the radiation characteristics of the object by gamma and neutron radiation without opening the package or vehicle;

3) assessment of the degree of radiation hazard of the object.

Additional radiation monitoring is carried out during the day by specially trained officials of state revenue bodies.

For additional radiation monitoring, dosimetric and radiometric equipment that has passed state verification is used.

The basis for conducting an in-depth radiation examination is the results of additional radiation monitoring, confirming the increased radiation dose level of the object being examined and the presence of RV in it.

The response criterion determining the conduct of an in-depth radiation survey on localization and identification of sources with an increased level of neutron radiation flux density is exceeding the permissible values established by Sanitary Rules and Hygienic Standards.

The purpose of an in-depth radiation examination is the maximum possible localization and primary identification of RV contained in the object being examined.

In-depth radiation examination is carried out by authorized officials to conduct radiation monitoring in coordination with the territorial divisions of the departments of the authorized body in the field of sanitary and epidemiological welfare of the population during the day, if the exposure dose exceeds 1 mSv/h.

State-verified spectrometric and radiometric equipment is used to conduct an in-depth radiation examination.

The search and localization of the radiation source is carried out using radiometric equipment in search mode.

The opening of compartments of vehicles, cargo spaces and packaging during the search and localization of objects with an increased radiation dose level is carried out in accordance with Sanitary Rules.

Examination of radiation cargo is carried out in accordance with the Code and on the basis of a decision of the state revenue authority on the appointment of a customs examination of goods and vehicles, issued based on the results of an in-depth radiation examination of the goods, or sent for laboratory tests to determine the specific activity of radionuclides for compliance with Sanitary Rules to the territorial divisions of the department of the authorized body in the field of sanitary and epidemiological welfare of the population.

The transfer of objects for examination and its transportation is carried out under the supervision of authorized officials of state revenue bodies to conduct radiation monitoring in compliance with Sanitary Rules.