The new rules were adopted under a government resolution signed on July 30. They establish the licensing procedures for activities related to the use of nuclear energy and the handling of ionizing radiation sources.
According to the government, the regulation was developed in line with a presidential decree issued on January 9, 2024, aimed at reducing mandatory requirements for businesses and simplifying licensing and permit procedures.
Under the new framework, organizations currently operating under existing licenses will be required to obtain new ones by December 1, 2027. Licenses that are not renewed by the deadline will become invalid.
The regulation covers a wide range of activities, including the operation of nuclear power plants, research nuclear facilities, the handling of radioactive substances and nuclear materials, as well as the production, storage, transportation, use and disposal of ionizing radiation sources.
Applicants seeking licenses will be required to comply with mandatory standards covering nuclear and radiation safety, radiation monitoring, personnel qualifications, technical equipment and other regulatory requirements.
The resolution also instructs the Committee for Industrial, Radiation and Nuclear Safety under the Cabinet of Ministers to bring its regulatory documents into line with the new rules in cooperation with relevant ministries and government agencies.
The adoption of the new licensing framework comes shortly after a delegation from the Uzatom Agency and the Directorate for Nuclear Power Plant Construction visited Moscow on July 22–23. During the meetings, Uzbekistan and Russia agreed to establish a joint working group to review the documentation for the nuclear power plant currently under construction in Jizzakh region.
