HSRA to Unveil Interactive Website for Authorisations

Beginning May 1, 2026, the Hazardous Substance Regulatory Authority (HSRA) will process all authorisation applications through its new interactive website.

The platform, accessible at www.hsra.gov.jm, was unveiled during the HSRA’s CEO Breakfast and Workshop, held at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston on Wednesday (March 11).

An agency of the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, the HSRA is mandated to regulate activities, practices, apparatuses, and facilities involving the use of ionising radiation and nuclear technology, in order to protect people, property, and the environment from harmful effects and related risks.

The entity also collaborates with government and non governmental authorities responsible for health and safety, environmental protection, emergency preparedness and response, security, and the transport of dangerous goods.

Addressing the breakfast and workshop, Portfolio Minister, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill, said the initiative is designed to reduce processing times, enable applicants to track their submissions in real time, and modernise interactions between regulators and the business community.

He further noted that the new website is intended to enhance the ease of doing business, increase transparency, and make regulatory engagements more efficient for Jamaican enterprises.

“Through this new platform, facility operators will be able to submit applications for import and export permits in coordination with the Jamaica Customs Agency, as well as apply for licences, permits, and registrations online,” Senator Hill said.

Acting Senior Director of Radiation and Safety at the HSRA, Colleen Nattie, explained that the new platform will serve as a central hub where authorisation holders, partners, and the public can access regulatory information, guidance documents, updates, and resources related to the safe use and management of ionising radiation sources and nuclear technology.

“The website reflects HSRA’s commitment to modern, efficient and accessible regulatory services, while supporting greater awareness of radiation safety across Jamaica,” she said.

Ms. Nattie added that the agency is collaborating with Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) to utilise their business gateway.

“One of the main features about this webpage is that you can track your authorisation through the process and, through this, we are hoping to move from a 45-day processing time down to 15 days,” she further stated.

The HSRA is responsible for administering the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Act, 2015, as well as the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Regulations, 2019.

The Act applies to the possession, acquisition, production, manufacture, processing, transfer, development, handling, storage, import, export, or disposal of natural and artificial radioactive material, nuclear material, ionising radiation apparatus, and devices emitting ionising radiation. It also governs the construction of facilities that will use ionising radiation.

The Authority’s mandate is primarily focused on protecting people, property, and the environment from the harmful effects of ionising radiation.

Source: JIS