BAEC clarifies position on testing fees, certification timeframe

The Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) has strongly protested a recent report published in The Business Standard which suggested that the long wait in receiving radiation test certificates and high testing fees were contributing to rising food prices in the local market.

In a statement dated 20 May, in response to TBS report titled "Government to withdraw mandatory radiation test this year: Commerce Secy" published on 17 May, the commission said the article contained "inaccurate and misleading" information concerning its role and legal mandate, and testing procedures.

In the statement signed by Dr Roksana Huque, director of the Scientific Information Division at BAEC, the commission noted that it is the national authority legally responsible for conducting radiation tests on all imported food items, as authorised by the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Control Rules, 1997. 

It also works in coordination with the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA) under the Food Safety Act, 2013.

The TBS report, citing importers, said, "The certificate is mandatory for submission to customs to release shipments. Obtaining it from the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission takes at least seven days, causing shipment delays and resulting in demurrage costs, which are ultimately passed on to consumers."

Rejecting this, the commission said, "The allegation that BAEC takes at least seven days to test imported agricultural products is entirely false." 

It explained that its Radioactivity Testing and Monitoring Laboratory (RTML), operating in both Chattogram and Mongla ports, typically issues radiation certificates within six hours of receiving samples – well under the 24-hour time frame outlined in the National Import Policy 2022.

"On rare occasions when delays occur, they are usually the result of incomplete documentation or late sample submission by importers, not delays in laboratory processing," it said.

The commission also noted that the radiation tests apply specifically to food grains and food products, not all agricultural goods, as clearly stated in the same import policy.

The TBS report said, "Moreover, importers say, they have to spend a minimum of Tk5,000 to Tk100,000 for each test certificate, depending on the value of the imported products."

The BAEC said the figures were "incorrect" and the actual fees are significantly lower.

According to its statement, the minimum testing fee is Tk575, including VAT, and is based on the consignment's invoice value. For example, a large shipment of over 5,000 tonnes of wheat from Ukraine was charged Tk61,447 – equivalent to just over Tk0.01 per kilogramme.

"This negligible amount has no impact on consumer pricing," the commission said.

"The notion that radiation testing imposes a significant burden on importers or consumers is unfounded and misleading. Given the low cost and rapid turnaround, the RTML's testing services safeguard public health without adding any meaningful financial or logistical strain on trade operations," the statement added.

Highlighting the importance of radiation testing, the BAEC said the practice is part of international food safety standards, particularly in light of past nuclear incidents and ongoing risks of radioactive contamination. It cited examples of other countries – such as Japan, the United States, EU nations, Singapore, Thailand, and India – that maintain strict radiation testing protocols for food imports.

The commission also linked the issue to national priorities, warning that any decision to withdraw radiation testing could pose reputational risks to Bangladesh's first nuclear power plant. "If contaminated food is imported and blamed on the plant, it may erode public trust and threaten the entire programme, as seen in countries like Austria and the Philippines," the statement added.