reglementering

Reglementering is a term used in several Nordic and Dutch contexts to describe the systematic creation and enforcement of rules by public authorities to regulate behavior, markets, and activities that affect public interests.

It typically covers a hierarchy of normative acts, from general regulations to sector-specific rules, as well as licensing, permits, standards, prohibitions, and sanctions. Regulators or ministries draft and implement these rules, sometimes with independent agencies or commissions involved. The aim is to create a predictable and level playing field, protect safety and health, safeguard the environment, ensure consumer protection, and maintain fair competition.

The regulatory process usually includes agenda setting, problem definition, impact assessment (often a regulatory impact assessment), public consultation, drafting, adoption, and post-implementation evaluation. Tools include risk-based or performance-based regulation, rulemaking procedures, and enforcement mechanisms. Compliance support and supervision help ensure that rules are followed.

Reglementering holds potential benefits and costs. It can reduce harms and information asymmetries, increase market confidence, and prevent negative externalities. But it can impose compliance costs, create administrative burdens, and risk overregulation or regulatory capture if influenced by the regulated interests. Therefore, many systems incorporate safeguards like transparency, proportionality, sunset reviews, and independent oversight.

Examples span health and safety, financial regulation, environmental protection, data privacy, and competition policy. Reglementering interacts with other policy instruments, including incentives, subsidies, and voluntary standards, forming part of broader governance and regulatory policy.