These new regulations repeal, amend and replace much of Radioactive Substances Act 1993 in England and Wales.

The Radioactive Substances Act 1993 (RSA93) deals with the control of radioactive material and disposal of radioactive waste in the United Kingdom.

Part V made a number of amendments to the Radioactive Substances Act 1960, including in relation to the appointment of inspectors and assistant inspectors, fees in respect of registrations, enforcement powers and application of the Act to Crown and UKAEA premises.

They form the legal basis for ionising radiation protection in the United Kingdom (UK), although work with ionising radiation is also controlled in the UK through other statutory instruments such as the Nuclear Installations Act 1965 and the Radioactive Substances Act 1993.

As SEPA has a responsibility for protecting Scotland's environment and human health, it also has responsibility for regulating the storage, and use of, radioactive substances and the accumulation and disposal of radioactive wastes in Scotland, including functions under the Radioactive Substances Act 1993.

A report from Professor M.S. Baxter of Glasgow University was commissioned by the East Yorkshire health authority; which found the previous statistical limits on radioactive exposure to be too high (by a factor of more than 100 times) and recommended revision of the Radioactive Substances Act 1960.