Apparatus utilizing alpha, beta, or gamma radiation—including linear accelerators, brachytherapy units, and nuclear medicine imaging systems such as PET and SPECT scanners—is among the most tightly regulated equipment in international trade. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) governs the import of radioactive sources and certain radiation-producing devices, while FDA's CDRH oversees the medical device aspects of radiation-emitting equipment. Shipments containing sealed radioactive sources may also require NRC import licenses and are subject to Department of Energy and Department of Transportation hazardous materials rules. Importers must coordinate across multiple agencies well before the shipment departs the country of origin.

AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.