INSIGHTS

Many clients already know that OSI can help companies obtain and maintain licenses to possess and use radioactive materials.  However, you may not know that we can also help companies who wish to manufacture and distribute devices containing radioactive sources, including obtaining Sealed Source and Device Registries and NRC Exempt Distribution Licenses.  An NRC Exempt Distribution license is required to sell or distribute many common types of equipment to individuals who don’t require a specific license to possess them. Some examples include exempt quantities of radioactive materials, smoke detectors, self-illuminating time pieces, measuring and gauging devices, coated lenses, exit signs, etc.  OSI has extensive experience with program development, Quality Control procedures, licensing and testing of devices and preparing the requests for licenses and device registration.  Some companies may not realize they need these authorizations until it’s too late.

Please note this NRC news release dated October 21, 2019:

NRC Imposes $43,500 Civil Penalty on California Firm for Unlicensed Importation and Distribution of Radioactive Material

     The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has imposed a $43,500 civil penalty on Solis Tek Inc. of Carson, Calif., for importing and distributing radioactive material without a proper license.

     From 2014 through 2018, Solis Tek imported light bulbs containing krypton-85 and distributed them for sale in the United States. Certain halide bulbs contain small quantities of krypton-85 gas as a starting aid in high-intensity lamps. While consumers do not need a license to possess or use such bulbs, a company that distributes them is required to have an “exempt distribution license” from the NRC. This license authorizes distribution to unlicensed wholesalers or retailers.

     Solis Tek did not have an exempt distribution license when it began importing and distributing the bulbs through its facilities in New Jersey and California. Despite several notifications from the NRC and New Jersey regulators regarding the need to obtain a license or cease distribution of the krypton-85 bulbs, the company continued its activities. Solis Tek eventually received an NRC exempt distribution license in July 2017, which the NRC has now terminated at the company’s request. Solis Tek is no longer distributing krypton-85 bulbs.

If you are considering importing or distributing devices containing any radioactive material, please contact us for more information on how we can save you time, money and risk of noncompliance.