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The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is in the process of rescinding or revising guidance and policies posted on this webpage in accordance with Executive Order 14151 Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing, and Executive Order 14168 Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government. In the interim, any previously issued diversity, equity, inclusion, or gender-related guidance on this webpage should be considered rescinded that is inconsistent with these Executive Orders.

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Sealed Sources and Devices

NRC and the Agreement States perform engineering and radiation safety evaluations of the ability of sealed sources and devices to safely contain radioactivity under the conditions of their possession and use. These evaluations are summarized in registrations that NRC maintains in the National Sealed Source and Device Registry (NSSDR). The registration certificates contain detailed information on the sources and devices, such as how they are permitted to be distributed and possessed (specific license, general license, or exempt), design and function, radiation safety, and limitations on use.

Both the NRC and Agreement States issue registration certificates for distributors and manufacturers within their jurisdiction. However, only the NRC is responsible for devices distributed as exempt products (i.e., smoke detectors, gun sights, etc.) and issues those registration certificates.

For more information, see

Page Last Reviewed/Updated Tuesday, January 17, 2023