Regulation is expected to have societal benefits and should be assessed using cost-benefit analysis. Regulators should develop techniques to measure both costs and benefits, although it is often difficult to assess them. Some of the costs may be "unintended", for example, unanticipated costs and indirect costs.

It is relatively easier to assess after-the-fact costs and benefits than before-the-fact ones. A trial or pilot analysis may be appropriate to understand the full impact of the regulation.