Regelungsentwurf

Regelungsentwurf, literally a draft of a regulation, is a draft text prepared by the executive branch or a regulatory authority to implement, detail, or adjust statutory requirements. It translates a law or mandate into concrete rules, procedures, and obligations that will govern behavior, administration, or enforcement. Regelungsentwürfe can cover Verordnungen (regulations) or administrative rules and are typically published in draft form to allow review and input before final adoption.

The primary purpose of a Regelungsentwurf is to ensure that statutory goals are achievable in concrete terms, providing clarity, legal certainty, and a workable compliance framework. Its preparation is usually grounded in administrative law and authorized by the relevant statute. In many jurisdictions, the draft undergoes impact assessment to evaluate administrative, economic, and social effects, and is subjected to public consultation or stakeholder comment.

The typical content of a Regelungsentwurf includes the purpose and legal basis, the scope and definitions, the substantive provisions (rules, thresholds, procedures, and obligations), enforcement mechanisms, transitional or sunset provisions, and entry into force. It may also specify the authority responsible for supervision and the means of dispute resolution.

Relation to other instruments: a Regelungsentwurf concerns subordinate regulation issued under statutory authorization, whereas a Gesetzesentwurf (draft law) seeks to change or enact statutes. After revision, the finalized Regelungsentwurf is issued as a regulation and published in the official gazette. Examples include environmental, health, or administrative regulation detailing how a law will be implemented in practice.