HSE/DfT Statement on the handling of Japanese imports is imminent 

The Retail & Distribution Group has many members working for organisations that have employees out in Japan. To all people working in Japan, and to the Japanese people we send our best wishes and thoughts at this time of national disaster.

Yesterday (March 24th 2011) the IOSH Retail & Distribution Group requested guidance from the HSE on any precautions that may be necessary with regard to the importation, handling, distribution and retail sale of goods arriving from Japan.

Queries concerning the appropriate measures to be taken (if indeed any are required) have been raised by members.  Concerns arise, both from within their own organisations and from their customers, on dealing with goods that have been despatched from areas of Japan.  Particularly those potentially affected by radioactive contamination.

This group feels that it is highly unlikely that Japanese goods will be contaminated in this way; however a precautionary stance is called for as the application of the Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999 is unclear under these circumstances. The HSE has passed this query on to the DfT and we expect a response in due course.