hoofdregeling

Hoofdregeling is a term used in Dutch administrative and regulatory language to denote the main or governing scheme within a legal framework. It refers to the core set of rules that determine the purpose, scope, and general obligations in a particular policy area. The hoofdregeling is typically established in primary legislation or in a central regulation and provides the overarching structure for how a policy is applied.

The hoofdregeling sets out fundamental elements such as the subjects covered, the main objectives, key definitions, and the broad duties or rights of those subject to the rules. Detailed procedures, technical standards, and specific conditions are usually laid down in separate implementing rules (often called uitvoeringsregelingen or equivalent) that supplement the hoofdregeling. This division helps separate high-level policy goals from procedural or technical specifics, while keeping the primary framework stable.

Adopting and amending a hoofdregeling generally involves formal act by the legislative or executive authority, such as a statute or central regulation. Changes to the implementing rules can typically be made more quickly by administrative authorities, provided they stay within the bounds set by the hoofdregeling. The two layers work together to ensure coherence, predictability, and flexibility in the regulatory system.

In practice, the term is used across various policy domains, including social security, environmental regulation, and taxation, to describe the principal framework that governs the field, with subordinate regulations filling in the operational details.