Generally yes. Radiation-generating equipment, including intraoral and panoramic dental X-ray units, falls within the regulatory framework regardless of the size of the practice. The requirements may be simpler than for a hospital imaging department, but the clinic still needs proper authorisation, a responsible person, shielding appropriate to the room, dosimetry for staff where required and quality assurance. Operating without a licence exposes the practice to enforcement and can cause problems with health licensing and insurance. We help small practices understand the radiation facility licensing steps and prepare a proportionate, complete application. Small clinics often underestimate this.

They cover different risks. The Directorate General of Health Services and the health ministry regulate private clinics, hospitals and diagnostic laboratories as healthcare establishments, under the private clinic and laboratory licensing regime. BAERA regulates radiation safety: equipment, shielding, personnel and protection of patients, staff and the public. A diagnostic centre normally needs both, and the conditions of each can affect the other. We coordinate the two processes so that the facility can open on time and the radiation facility licensing file is consistent with the health licence application. We can map both together.

Commercially, many providers place orders early because lead times are long. Legally, the import, possession and installation of radiation-generating equipment may each require clearance, and Customs may not release equipment without the required regulatory documents. Ordering is therefore possible, but the purchase contract should allow for regulatory delays, make clear who obtains import clearance, and give the buyer protection if the equipment cannot be cleared or installed. We review procurement contracts so that the commercial timetable reflects the radiation facility licensing timetable rather than ignoring it. Suppliers usually accept reasonable delay terms.

Licences are generally granted to a named licensee for specified equipment and premises, and are not freely transferable. In a share sale, the licensee entity remains the same, but changes in control or responsible personnel may still need notification. In an asset sale, the buyer usually needs its own authorisation before taking over operation of the equipment. We plan the regulatory steps alongside the transaction timetable, include appropriate conditions and warranties in the sale documents, and make sure imaging services can continue lawfully through completion. Planning avoids gaps in service.

Facilities are normally required to designate a suitably qualified and trained person responsible for radiation protection within the facility, often called the radiation control officer. The precise qualification and training requirements depend on the type of facility and the current regulatory guidance. The role carries real responsibility for safety procedures, records and liaison with the regulator, so it should be documented in an appointment letter that sets out duties and authority. We advise on these appointments and on the legal implications if the officer leaves or is unavailable. Written appointments help in inspections.

It may be possible, but it attracts closer scrutiny. Importers should expect to provide documentation on the equipment's origin, service history, condition and compliance with applicable standards, and regulators or Customs may impose additional conditions or refuse clearance. Import policy restrictions on used goods may also apply. Buyers should obtain contractual warranties covering documentation and regulatory acceptance, and clear remedies if clearance is refused. We review the regulatory position and supply terms before commitment, since radiation facility licensing problems with refurbished units are difficult to solve after shipment.

Outcomes range from recommendations and a deadline for corrective action to directions to stop using equipment, suspension of a licence or penalties for serious breaches. The facility should obtain the findings in writing, respond within any time limit, and document corrective steps taken. Where the findings are disputed, the response should explain why with technical support. We help facilities prepare accurate responses, engage with the regulator and, where necessary, challenge disproportionate measures, while making sure that genuine safety issues are fixed promptly and properly recorded. Timely responses protect the licence.

Radiation-generating equipment used outside human healthcare, such as veterinary X-ray units, baggage scanners, industrial radiography and analytical instruments, generally also requires authorisation, although requirements differ by category. Industrial radiography and sealed radioactive sources raise additional security and transport issues. Each business should check the current categories and conditions with the regulator before acquiring equipment. We advise veterinary, industrial and security clients on the radiation facility licensing route that applies to their activity, and on contracts with suppliers and service engineers. Categories should be checked first. Radiation facility licensing rules differ by category.