Wijzigingswet

Wijzigingswet is a Dutch legal term for an instrument used to amend existing legislation. It refers to an act in which Parliament modifies or adds provisions to an existing law, rather than replacing the law as a whole. In Dutch statutory practice, many substantive changes to a law are effected through a dedicated Wijzigingswet, sometimes described as an amending act. The act is typically proposed by the government or by a member of Parliament, introduced in one chamber, and after debate and approval by both chambers becomes law and enters into force on a date specified by the act or its provisions.

The content of a Wijzigingswet may range from small corrections to substantial revisions. An act of this type may delete, alter, or add articles, sections, or paragraphs within the target law. A key feature is that the Wijzigingswet targets a specific existing act; other laws remain unaffected unless explicitly amended. It differs from a new standalone act in that it preserves the original act’s structure while incorporating changes as amendments. The procedure, publication in the Official Journal, and entry into force follow standard Dutch legislative rules for primary acts, including potential transitional provisions.

Some policy areas use Wijzigingswetten frequently, such as administrative law, tax law, or social security legislation, where incremental updates are common. The term itself does not imply a particular policy outcome; it is a procedural label indicating that the instrument’s purpose is to amend existing regulation.

See also: Dutch legislation, amending act, wet in formele zin.