Regulatory service — ARSN Niger

Application forLicence

Any use of radioactive sources or any nuclear activity in Niger is subject to prior authorisation from ARSN. Submit your file, track its processing and obtain your regulatory title.

168 Authorisations in force
30 Processing days (avg.)
3 ans Validity period
98% Compliance rate
Regulatory scope

Which activities require an authorisation?

Any activity involving ionising radiation is subject to one of the three regulatory procedures below, depending on the level of radiological risk.

Licence
Mandatory

Any activity presenting significant radiological risk. Complete file required. ARSN processing before any start of activity.

  • Medical and veterinary radiology
  • Radiotherapy and nuclear medicine
  • Gammagraphie industrielle
  • Sealed sources categories 1–3
  • Mines and processing facilities
  • Transport of radioactive materials
Notification
Simplified

Low-risk activities. Simple declaration before starting. ARSN acknowledges receipt and may request additional information.

  • Sealed sources categories 4–5
  • Ionisation smoke detectors
  • Low-activity equipment
  • Research laboratories (low activity)
Exemption
No action required

Activities with radioactivity levels below exemption levels set by ARSN. No administrative action required.

  • Naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) below thresholds
  • Pacemakers and common medical implants
  • Very low-activity measuring instruments
Complete procedure

How to obtain your authorisation?

Follow these 5 steps to submit your file and obtain your ARSN authorisation as quickly as possible.

01

Prepare your file

Before submission

Gather all required documents according to the type of activity. Consult the document list below or contact the RPD for an informal pre-examination of your project.

  • Completed and signed application form
  • Qualification of the radiation protection officer (RPO)
  • Technical description of the activity and sources
  • Premises plan with radiation shielding
  • Working and safety procedures
Tip: contact ARSN before preparing your file for a free informal pre-examination.
02

Submit your file

Physical submission or mail

Submit your complete file to ARSN's Radiation Protection Directorate. You will be given an acknowledgement of receipt with the file number for tracking.

  • File in 2 copies (originals)
  • To the Radiation Protection Directorate — ARSN Niamey
  • E-services portal (under development)
The file must be complete upon submission. An incomplete file will be returned, which lengthens processing times.
03

Technical review

15 to 45 working days

An ARSN inspector processes your file: verification of regulatory compliance, examination of shielding design, assessment of procedures. A site visit may be arranged.

  • Administrative and technical verification of the file
  • Radiological assessment of the activity
  • Prior inspection visit (if necessary)
  • Possible request for additional documents
Remain available to respond quickly to ARSN's requests for additional information.
04

ARSN Decision

Official written notification

ARSN notifies you of its decision: authorisation issued (with possible conditions), or reasoned refusal. The authorisation specifies its validity period and conditions of practice.

  • Authorisation issued valid for 3 renewable years
  • Conditions of practice set out in the title
  • Monitoring and declaration obligations
In case of refusal, you have a deadline to appeal to ARSN's NRC.
05

Compliance with obligations

Throughout the validity period

Once the authorisation is obtained, you are subject to periodic inspections and declaration obligations. Carefully comply with the conditions of your authorisation.

  • Inspections périodiques de l'ARSN
  • Declaration of any incident within 24 hours
  • Renewal 3 months before expiry
  • Declaration of any change of situation
Plan your renewal: submit your application 3 months before your authorisation expires.
Authorisation catalogue

Types of authorisations issued

ARSN issues different types of authorisations according to the sector of activity. Identify the one that applies to you.

Medical authorisation

Radiology, radiotherapy, nuclear medicine, bone densitometry

Health facility, doctor

Industrial authorisation

Gammagraphy, nuclear gauges, well logging, industrial radiography

Industrial company

Mining authorisation

Uranium extraction, ore processing, mine residue sites

Mining operator (SOMAÏR…)

Research authorisation

Research laboratories, practical teaching, calibration

University, research centre

Autorisation de transport

Transport de matières radioactives par route, air ou autre mode

Expéditeur, transporteur

RPO certification

Certification of radiation protection officers (RPO)

Radiation protection expert

Waste authorisation

Storage, treatment and disposal of radioactive waste

Waste producer or manager

Import / Export

Import or export of radioactive materials and equipment

Importer, exporter
Official documents

Application forms

Download the form corresponding to your type of activity. Complete it and attach it to your file.

FA-MED-01
Medical authorisation application
Radiology, radiotherapy, nuclear medicine
PDF
FA-IND-01
Industrial authorisation application
Gammagraphy, gauges, industrial radiography
PDF
FA-MIN-01
Mining authorisation application
Mines and processing facilities
PDF
FA-RCH-01
Research authorisation application
Laboratories and teaching
PDF
FA-TRP-01
Transport authorisation application
Transport of radioactive materials
PDF
FA-PCR-01
RPO certification application
Radiation protection officer
PDF
FA-DCH-01
Waste authorisation application
Management and storage of radioactive waste
PDF
FA-IMP-01
Import / export application
Radioactive materials and equipment
PDF
All forms are available free of charge. For any difficulty in completing them, contact ARSN's Radiation Protection Directorate.
Questions fréquentes

FAQ — Authorisation Application

The processing time is 30 to 60 working days for a complete file. An incomplete file will be returned, which lengthens the timeframe. For complex files (mines, radiotherapy), allow up to 90 days.

Yes, regulatory fees apply according to the type and category of activity. The rate is set by the ARSN decree on fees. Contact ARSN to find out the amount applicable to your situation.

No, categorically. Any activity without authorisation constitutes an offence liable to criminal and administrative sanctions. You must wait for receipt of the authorisation signed by ARSN before starting any activity.

You must submit a renewal application at least 3 months before your authorisation expires. The renewal file is similar to the initial file, with necessary updates. Your compliance history is taken into account.

Any significant change (equipment replacement, source change, premises modification, change of RPO) must be declared to ARSN before implementation. An authorisation modification may be necessary.

The RPO must have the required technical qualifications (radiation protection training) and be approved by ARSN. Order No. 003/ARSN/2021 defines the qualification criteria. They can be an employee of the establishment or an approved external contractor.

Need help with your application?

Our regulatory experts are available to help you prepare your authorisation file.