Regulatory impact analysis
The Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) is the instrument used to analyse and present the economic effects of federal proposals. This page provides the requirements and tools for planning and conducting an RIA. The RIA unit at SECO supports the federal administration in carrying out these analyses.
The Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) is an instrument used to examine and present the economic effects of federal proposals. The RIA serves to systematically assess the regulatory need, the different policy options or alternatives, the expected impacts, and the feasibility of implementation. The insights gained from these analyses are intended to contribute to sound, evidence‑based decision‑making and to improving the quality of legislation.
The scope and content of the RIA are defined in the Federal Council’s guidelines on Regulatory Impact Assessment.
The application, content, and procedures for both the Quick Check and the RIA are specified in the RIA Handbook. An overview of the content—i.e., the assessment points and questions to be addressed—is provided in the RIA Checklist. Please also consult the following guidance documents, which serve as annexes to the RIA Handbook.
NEW: SECO commissioned an external evaluation of the RIA guidelines, which was carried out by the firm Interface.
Quick-Check
The Quick Check provides an initial rough assessment of the potential impacts of federal initiatives at an early stage. Its purpose is to determine, at an early point in the process, whether an RIA is required and, if so, its appropriate scope. The Quick Check must be completed by the lead federal office for all regulatory projects as early as possible in the process (during the conceptual phase). It must be submitted as part of the interdepartmental consultation for the first Federal Council dispatch (i.e., the discussion paper/request defining the key parameters of the project). In this dispatch, the department also comments on the results of the Quick Check as well as on the necessity and scope of the planned RIA.
Assessment of regulatory costs for businesses
If a project entails additional regulatory costs for businesses, these must be estimated in accordance with Article 5 of the Act on Reducing the Administrative Burden on Businesses and presented in the submission to the Federal Council, in the explanatory report, and in the dispatch. These estimates may be carried out as part of the RIA or separately. When conducting an assessment of regulatory costs, we recommend using the cost table below, which guides you through the estimation process step by step.
Excel tool for standard cost rates (available in German only)
Excel tool to help estimate the number of affected companies (available in German only)
Supporting table for estimating regulatory costs for companies (German version)
Guide to estimating regulatory costs for companies (German version)
Reference for the implementation of Art. 5 of the Federal Act on Reducing the Administrative Burden on Businesses (UEG)
Assessment obligations for reducing the burden on businesses
If a project affects businesses, the relief measures set out in Article 4 of the Act on Reducing the Administrative Burden on Businesses must be examined (so‑called assessment obligations), and the results of this examination must be presented in the explanatory report and in the dispatch.
Completed in‑depth RIA
For projects with medium to significant expected impacts on the economy or on specific groups, an in‑depth RIA is required. Responsibility for conducting an in‑depth RIA lies jointly with the lead administrative unit and SECO. The analysis is commissioned to an external contractor, and quantitative estimates of costs and benefits must be carried out wherever possible. The results are published in a separate RIA report, including on this page.
Additional RIA reports
For projects with low to medium expected impacts on the economy or on specific groups, the lead federal office may also commission an external analysis. The results are presented and published in a separate report. Examples of externally conducted RIAs under the lead responsibility of the specialised offices are published here.
Further information
Index
Relevant topics
Regulation
SECO is committed to promoting business‑friendly framework conditions. As the federal competence centre for regulatory matters, we support and advise the responsible offices in analysing the economic impact of new legislative proposals and in implementing the Act on Reducing the Regulatory Burden on Businesses. The objective is efficient regulation that lowers costs, fosters innovation and enables sustainable economic growth.
Regulatory impact analysis
The Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) is the instrument used to analyse and present the economic effects of federal proposals. This page provides the requirements and tools for planning and conducting an RIA. The RIA unit at SECO supports the federal administration in carrying out these analyses.
Reduction of administrative burdens on businesses
Efficient and proportionate regulations are a key element in ensuring attractive economic framework conditions. The Business Relief Act establishes measures and instruments aimed at reducing the regulatory burden on companies and advancing the digitalisation of public administration services.
Contact
Economic Policy Directorate
Regulatory analysis and policy
Holzikofenweg 36
CH - 3003 Bern
For RIA: Uschi Anthamatten / For quick-check: Annetta Holl