Abstract: This article briefly discusses the pivotal role of the basic standards for radiological protection in promoting the development of radiological protection related disciplines. Radiological protection system outlined in the recommendations published by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), which provide basis for developing radiological protection standards, has undergone four generations of evolution; And the International Basic Safety Standards(IBSS), jointly developed by the International Atomic Energy Agency(IAEA) and multiple international organizations, has completed three generations of evolution. This paper focuses on the main characteristics of the four generations of evolution of basic standards for radiological protection in China, including 1960, 1974, 1980s and 2002. Based on the more than 8 years experience in joint development of the fourth generation basic standard GB 18871—2002, valuable lessons need to be sorted out; It will be beneficial to continuously update the basic standards of radiological protection and develop the discipline of radiological protection. As a participant in the development of China’s third and fourth generation basic standards, I would like to put forward six suggestions for updating the standards and promoting the fifth generation basic standards to meet the urgent needs of related development in China. Obviously, it is imperative to develop new basic standards that are scientifically sound, easy to implement, and able to solve practical problems in a targeted manner, based on national conditions and international standards.

Key words: radiological protection, basic standards, ICRP, IBSS, evolution, prospect