opleggingsbesluit

Opleggingsbesluit is a Dutch administrative-law term for a government decision that imposes a duty, prohibition or condition on a person or organization. It is a formal instrument used by public authorities to compel action or refrain from certain behaviors in the public interest. The concept focuses on the imposition of obligations rather than the granting of rights.

In practice, an opleggingsbesluit can require someone to perform a specific act (for example, to implement safety measures, to provide information, or to take steps to remedy a violation), to refrain from certain conduct (such as continuing a prohibited activity), or to comply with conditions attached to a prior approval or permit. It may also specify penalties for non-compliance, such as a financial enforcement measure (dwangsom) or other sanctions.

The legal basis for such decisions typically lies in the Algemene wet bestuursrecht (Awb) and sector-specific rules. Like other administrative decisions, an opleggingsbesluit must have a clear legal ground, be reasoned, and be communicated to the addressee. Affected persons usually have procedural rights, including the possibility to file objections (bezwaar) and to appeal (beroep) in front of the appropriate court or quasi-judicial body.

Opleggingsbesluiten are distinct from granting acts, such as vergunningen (licenses), since they create or impose ongoing obligations rather than confer rights. They can form part of enforcement or compliance procedures and may be issued in response to observed violations or as a condition for continued approval.

Overall, an opleggingsbesluit reflects the coercive side of administrative action, aimed at ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and public policy objectives while remaining subject to legal review and due-process safeguards.