Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA)

About RIA

Regulatory instruments have widespread impacts, and affect multiple stakeholder groups in different ways. A sub-optimal regulation has the potential to increase the cost of administration and compliance, have unintended outcomes and limits the likelihood of achievement of its objectives. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to understand the impacts of any regulation, proposed or in operation, to achieve favourable outcomes.

Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) is a process of systematically identifying and assessing direct and indirect impacts of regulatory proposals and existing regulations, using consistent analytical methods. It involves a participatory approach via public consultation to assess such impact, determination of costs and benefits, and selection the most appropriate regulatory alternative.

CUTS International has significant experience and expertise in conducting RIAs, generating awareness, and conducting capacity building programmes on RIA for government and other stakeholders.