föreskriften

Föreskriften is a Swedish term used to refer to a rule or directive prescribed by an authority that specifies requirements, standards, or procedures that must be followed within a defined scope. It is a binding rule, but it is not in itself a law; rather it operates under the authority of statutes or delegated powers and applies to individuals, companies, and institutions affected by the issuing body.

The word stems from föreskriva, meaning to prescribe. In Swedish administrative practice, föreskrifter are issued by government ministries, agencies, and municipalities to implement or regulate how laws should be applied in particular contexts. They are designed to be concrete and actionable, often detailing technical specifications, safety measures, or procedural steps.

Föreskrifter take various forms, including general safety rules, environmental requirements, or technical standards. They may appear as formal regulations, binding instructions, or guidelines that specify what is required, who is affected, deadlines, and penalties for noncompliance. They are typically published in official channels and collections of legal texts, such as the Svensk författningssamling (SFS), and are enforceable for those subject to them.

Enforcement and consequences depend on the enabling statute and the issuing authority. Violations of föreskrifter can lead to administrative sanctions, fines, or other corrective actions. While they are distinct from broader legislation, föreskrifter play a central role in the practical implementation of laws and policy across public administration.

See also: lag, förordning, bestämmelser.