Guidance

Using the precautionary principle in regulation

How to explain the rationale for a regulatory policy measure when scientific uncertainty exists regarding risks to human, animal, plant or environmental health.

• From: Regulatory Policy Committee
• Published: 17 January 2020
• Last updated: 10 November 2025 — See all updates

Documents

RPC guidance: using the precautionary principle

PDF, 182 KB, 4 pages

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Details

The Regulatory Policy Committee’s recommendations for government officials to consider when assessing the impact of regulation under the Better Regulation Framework.

Published 17 January 2020

Last updated 10 November 2025 + show all updates

1. 10 November 2025

   Updated September 2025

2. 17 January 2020

   First published.