administrative rule
A binding regulation issued by a government agency under authority granted by a legislature, filling in the details of a law.
Definition
An administrative rule, sometimes called a regulation, is a rule adopted by an agency rather than directly by a legislature. Lawmakers pass statutes in broad terms and delegate agencies to write detailed requirements. The process often includes public notice and comment so affected people can respond. Administrative rules carry legal force within the limits of the authority delegated. Businesses follow them for matters like labeling, reporting and licensing. Names and procedures vary across countries. Reading the original explanatory notes published with a rule often clarifies intent better than the bare text does.
In a sentence
The agency opened a comment period before finalizing the administrative rule.
New labeling requirements took effect after the rule was published.
