What is the significance of the "effective date" in COMAR?

The effective date in COMAR is significant because it indicates when a regulation becomes enforceable. This is a critical aspect of regulatory processes, as it informs all stakeholders, including the general public, businesses, and governmental bodies, of the exact moment at which compliance with the regulation is required. Knowing the effective date helps ensure that everyone understands their responsibilities and obligations under the law, and it allows for a clear understanding of when new requirements take effect.

In the context of regulatory frameworks, the effective date is separate from the review date, publication date, or proposal date. The review date might refer to when a regulation is assessed for effectiveness or relevance, while the publication date relates to when the regulation is made available to the public. The proposal date signifies when a regulation was first introduced for consideration. Each of these dates plays a different role in the regulatory process, but the effective date is the key moment when the regulation moves from a proposed or published state into enforceability.