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Compliance Costs of Government Rules and Regulations

Author

Listed:
  • Masayuki MORIKAWA

Abstract

This study estimates the compliance costs of government rules and regulations based on a survey of Japanese workers. The results reveal the following key findings. First, nearly half of all workers engage in tasks related to regulatory compliance. Second, nearly 20% of total labor input is devoted to compliance tasks, implying a significant negative impact on macroeconomic productivity. Third, engaging in compliance tasks is associated with perceptions of workplace understaffing and frequency of sudden overtime. These findings suggest that reducing and streamlining such work has the potential to enhance both productivity and the well-being of workers.

Suggested Citation

  • Masayuki MORIKAWA, 2025. "Compliance Costs of Government Rules and Regulations," Policy Discussion Papers 25016, Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry (RIETI).
    • Handle: RePEc:eti:polidp:25016
    as

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    File URL: https://www.rieti.go.jp/jp/publications/pdp/25p016.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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