Forskrift

Forskrift is a form of binding rule in the Norwegian legal system that is issued by a public authority to implement or specify the details of a statute. It is a normative act with the force of law within its stated scope, but it derives its authority from a higher-level law and must stay within the powers delegated by that law.

Forskrifter can be issued by national authorities such as ministries and public agencies, or by municipalities for local matters. They are used to specify technical standards, administrative procedures, safety requirements, or other practical rules needed to apply a statute in everyday administration and enforcement. A forskrift may cover a wide range of areas, including environment, health, transport, planning and building, and labor.

The relation to statute is central: a forskrift cannot go beyond what the enabling law allows and can be amended, repealed, or withdrawn by the same competent authority. They are typically created through a formal administrative process and are enforceable by the relevant public agencies. Non-compliance can trigger penalties or other enforcement measures.

In practice, forskrifter provide the concrete rules that enable laws to function in everyday life, ensuring uniform application across institutions and actors. They constitute a common element of administrative law in Norway and are widely used across sectors to regulate procedures, standards, and obligations.

The term is commonly translated as "regulation" or "ordinance" in English, and is used in many Nordic and European legal contexts to denote subordinate, rule-making instruments that operationalize higher laws.