RIA
How important is regulatory impact assessment (RIAs) in the policy-making process?
RIA scores are weighted composites. Three qualitative policy assessments [ 
] each contribute one-third of this weighting.
Scores and methodology
] each contribute one-third of this weighting. Scores and methodology
RIAKey findings: Regulatory impact assessments
Each 
represents an individual country and is positioned on a scale from 1 (lowest) to 10 (best). Position cursor over to see scores for individual countries.
Click country name in list or text for details.
represents an individual country and is positioned on a scale from 1 (lowest) to 10 (best). Position cursor over to see scores for individual countries.Click country name in list or text for details.
Score distribution
9.7
1
9.7
9.3
3
8.7
4
8.7
8.3
6
8.0
7
8.0
7.7
9
In this top group, regulatory impact assessment (RIA) is a core policy-making element, often even to the extent of evaluating existing regulations.
The United Kingdom, the United States and Finland apply RIAs to new and existing rules, and carefully analyze needs and alternative options.
RIA is a cabinet-level requirement in New Zealand. Alternative options in Switzerland are addressed in consultation with outside social groups, and are considered – but less often quantified – in the Netherlands.
No law in South Korea can pass without first undergoing RIA.
The United Kingdom, the United States and Finland apply RIAs to new and existing rules, and carefully analyze needs and alternative options.
RIA is a cabinet-level requirement in New Zealand. Alternative options in Switzerland are addressed in consultation with outside social groups, and are considered – but less often quantified – in the Netherlands.
No law in South Korea can pass without first undergoing RIA.
7.3
10
7.3
7.3
7.0
13
4.7
14
4.3
15
4.0
16
3.3
17
3.3
3.0
19
3.0
3.0
In this middle group, RIA is often common, but applied in sector-specific area rather than universally. Several countries lack an effective assessment framework.
Several countries have occasionally very good analysis procedures, performed by individual departments or ministries (Australia, Canada). Mexico is diligent in its assessments, but the quality varies widely.
Ireland gives full assessment only to high-cost proposals, while Germany focuses primarily on simplifying legislation. France lacks a developed RIA framework altogether.
Several countries (Austria, Japan, Hungary, Slovakia) limit RIAs to specific sector or budgetary issues. Poland's RIA quality is generally poor.
Several countries have occasionally very good analysis procedures, performed by individual departments or ministries (Australia, Canada). Mexico is diligent in its assessments, but the quality varies widely.
Ireland gives full assessment only to high-cost proposals, while Germany focuses primarily on simplifying legislation. France lacks a developed RIA framework altogether.
Several countries (Austria, Japan, Hungary, Slovakia) limit RIAs to specific sector or budgetary issues. Poland's RIA quality is generally poor.
2.3
22
2.0
23
1.0
24
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
In this bottom group, RIAs are either applied without consistency (Portugal, Czech Republic) or have virtually no role in the policy-making process (Belgium, Greece, Iceland, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden, Turkey).
None of these countries systematically consider the need for new regulations, or alternative options.
None of these countries systematically consider the need for new regulations, or alternative options.
Rationale
Effective governance requires that a government’s work program be guided by strategic priorities. Regulatory impact assessments (RIAs) can be a critical means of evaluating the impact of proposed policy before passage.
The regulatory impact assessment (RIA) criterion examines whether the government regularly assesses the potential socioeconomic impact of draft laws. It evaluates the extent to which RIAs examine alternative options as well as the purpose of and need for regulations.
Performance comparison
Use drop-down menus for selections. In all cases, higher scores reflect better performance.
