Inspections Shift from Enforcement to Prevention – New Law Expected by Autumn
The Ministry of Public Administration and Local Self-Government and NALED organized a roundtable discussion today with representatives of the business community and expert stakeholders on the Draft Law Amending the Law on Inspection Oversight. The legislation is currently undergoing a public consultation process and is expected to be adopted by autumn.
“The new law should enable inspections to operate in a more consistent, efficient, and predictable manner, while directing public resources to areas where they are most needed. Compliant businesses should not be subjected to unnecessary or repeated inspections, whereas entities that jeopardize the public interest or operate outside the legal framework must face swift, decisive, and consistent enforcement action,” said Đorđe Đoković, Assistant Minister of Public Administration and Local Self-Government.
An analysis of inspection activities between 2020 and 2024 showed that ad hoc inspections accounted for more than 44% of all inspection controls, while preventive activities represented only 1.29% of the total workload of inspection authorities. Consequently, the draft law envisages strengthening the advisory role of inspections through advisory visits, self-assessment of compliance, and other forms of preventive action.
“It is important that inspection authorities focus on areas posing the highest risks to public health and safety, environmental protection, and fair competition, while responsible businesses should be supported through advisory visits and other preventive mechanisms that facilitate compliance with regulations,” stated Milan Stefanović, Regulatory and Inspection Oversight Advisor at NALED.
The proposed amendments also aim to further digitalize inspection oversight through the expanded use of the e-Inspector system and improved data exchange between inspection authorities and other public institutions. The objective is to reduce overlapping inspections, enhance inter-agency coordination, and support evidence-based decision-making through timely and reliable data.
The draft law also provides for stronger protection of inspectors by reinforcing their professional integrity and independence, ensuring legal representation in proceedings related to the performance of official duties, and introducing clearer sanctions for obstructing inspection activities.
A key focus of the reform is combating the informal economy and protecting businesses that operate in compliance with regulations. The proposed solutions would enable more decisive action against unregistered entities and those that undermine a level playing field in the market.
Participants in the roundtable emphasized that dialogue with the business community and professional stakeholders is essential for developing high-quality and implementable legislation. All interested parties may submit comments and proposals until the conclusion of the public consultation process on 20 June, after which the feedback will be reviewed and considered in the preparation of the final draft of the law.
