A new decree regulates that the highest monetary administrative punishment in the field of nuclear energy could reach up to VND100 million (US$5,400), according to the Ministry of Science and Technology’s General Inspector Tran Minh Dung.

The previous radioactive safety decree, which was passed in 2006, had a top fine of VND70 million ($3,800) for losing radioactive materials and devices without reporting them missing.

Dung said: "Before the introduction of the Law on Nuclear Energy in 2008, the previous decree was limited to radioactive safety and control. The new decree, which will replace the old one, will reflect the new law’s spirit as well as complete the previous decree with heavier fines for the same violations."

According to Dung, the decree will provide the legal framework to ensure safety as the field of nuclear energy becomes more popular in Viet Nam.

Common violations prior to the issuance of the new decree were the misuse or lack of safety protocols when using radioactive sources and devices.

Two notable cases of violations occurred at a cement company in the northern province of Ha Nam and at the Institute for Technology of Radioactive and Rare Elements in Ha Noi in 2006; radioactive materials were lost in both cases.

"Radioactive sources and devices were, in fact, very popular. They have wide applications for industrial and medical purposes. The previous document helped control radioactive safety but it was not enough; we also have to account for the promising development of nuclear energy in the very near future," said Dung.

"That’s why we had to include new types of violations related to nuclear energy which have yet to happen but could occur in the future if there were no strict laws in existence," he said.

Actions that are subject to the highest possible fine include the illegal transfer of nuclear materials within Viet Nam, operating nuclear vessels or importing radioactive waste.

Other acts that could incur the top fine include causing human and environmental damage by abusing work permissions in the nuclear energy sector with the intent to violate the rights and benefits of organisations and individuals, using nuclear energy for the wrong purposes or revealing nuclear energy secrets.

Foreigners who violate the three aforementioned acts, besides having to pay fines, are subject to expulsion from Viet Nam.

Individuals or organisations that do not provide proper declarations about radioactive devices and waste, or use radioactive sources improperly will receive punishments up to VND7 million ($379) instead of the VND3 million($162) as before.

A maximum fine of VND35 million ($1,900) will be imposed for illegally transferring and processing used radioactive sources.

Individuals or organisations that routinely manage and use radioactive sources but do not provide safety information and warning and regular heath checks for exposed workers will face a fine of VND10 million ($541).

If an individual or organisation discovers radioactive sources and devices but does not report the find to authorised agencies, they will face a penalty of VND8 million ($433).

The decree, which comes into effect on February 1, stipulates administrative fines under five main categories, including declaration and licence-granting violations; radioactive and nuclear safety; and acts that prevent investigation procedures and violate the State’s interest.