Abstract: A process and an apparatus for the irradiating objects by ionizing irradiation, in particular with an X-ray or gamma ray source of radiation, whereby the objects are packed in shipping units having a symmetry of axis running parallel to the direction of conveyance or parallel to the longest extension of the source of radiation. Some of the objects are brought to a position near another object and placed at a distance from the source of radiation, so that near objects partially shield the distant objects from the radiation source in such a manner that the shielding effect is less near the axis of symmetry than in the peripheral area. The objects are moved in such a way that they are irradiated from at least two sides. By this means greater efficiency and excellent uniformity of the absorbed radiation are achieved.