Forordningen

Forordningen is a term used in several Scandinavian languages to denote a formal rule or regulation issued by a public authority. It is often translated as regulation or ordinance and is distinguished from laws enacted by a legislature by providing detailed rules, procedures, or technical standards necessary to apply those laws. In international contexts, the word corresponds to the European Union concept of Regulation, which is binding in its entirety.

In Norwegian law, a forordning is typically a secondary act adopted by a ministry under the authority granted by a statute. It contains concrete rules that implement the broad principles of the law, such as administrative procedures or technical specifications. A forordning is binding on those within its scope and can be amended or repealed by the same authority. Publication in the official source of law is usually required for entry into force.

In Danish usage, forordning similarly refers to a government regulation that implements a law, often issued as a royal ordinance or executive order. The Danish system also employs other publishing forms like bekendtgørelse to announce regulatory content to the public. The distinctions between terms can vary by jurisdiction, but forordning generally denotes hierarchical status below a statute yet above detailed administrative rules.

In the European Union, a Regulation (forordning) is a binding act that applies automatically in all member states without national implementing measures, unlike a Directive which requires transposition. Examples include the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and the REACH Regulation, both of which have direct effect across member states.

Etymology-wise, forordningen derives from for- plus ordning (“order” or “arrangement”). Related terms include Swedish förordning and a broader set of instruments such as lov (law) and forskrift (regulation).