3. Transport regulations in France

Since June 11, 1997, France's Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN) has been responsible for drawing up and implementing regulations on the safe transport of radioactive substances for civil use. It is assisted in this task by the Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN). Dangerous goods transport regulations are monitored by the Mission du transport des matières dangereuses (MTMD) of the Ministry of Ecology and Transport. This body is responsible for actions relating to the safe transport of hazardous goods (excluding class 7 radioactive goods) by road, rail and inland waterway. It has a consultative body (the Interministerial Commission for the Transport of Dangerous Goods – CITMD) which is called upon to give its opinion on any draft regulations concerning the transport of dangerous goods by rail, road and inland waterway.

In view of the wide variety...