Promulgation is the formal proclamation or the declaration that a new statutory or administrative law is enacted after its final approval. In some jurisdictions, this additional step is necessary before the law can take effect.
After a new law is approved, it is announced to the public through the publication of government gazettes and/or on official government websites. National laws of extraordinary importance to the public may be announced by the head of state or head of government on a national broadcast. Local laws are usually announced in local newspapers and published in bulletins or compendia of municipal regulations.
Jurisdiction-specific details
Armenia
Bills are enacted by the President of Armenia and published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Armenia.
Belgium
Statutes are promulgated by the King of the Belgians and published in the Belgian Official Journal. Decrees and Ordinances are promulgated by the different Regional and Community governments and published in the Belgian Official Journal.
Canada
Canadian federal Acts of Parliament, orders in council, proclamations, public notices, official appointments and proposed regulations from the Government of Canada are promulgated in the Canada Gazette (French: Gazette du Canada). The Canada Gazette consists of three parts that are published separately. Part 1 promulgates public notices, official appointments and proposed regulations; Part 2 promulgates regulations; and Part 3 promulgates Acts of Parliament. Each province and territory has its own publication in which their laws, regulations, and other statutory instruments are promulgated.
Canon law (Catholic Church)
A canonical law issued by the Pope (or with his consent in the case of laws issued by an ecumenical council or congregation) is promulgated when it is published in Acta Apostolicae Sedis, and by default has the force of law three months after promulgation. Laws issued by bishops and particular councils are promulgated in various ways but by default take effect one month after promulgation.
According to canon 7 of the 1983 Code of Canon Law, ("A law is instituted when it is promulgated"). This is an ancient provision in Latin Church canon law, dating in its plural form to the Latin formulation of the great 12th century codifier of canon law, Gratian: ("Laws are instituted when they are promulgated").
France
The President of France promulgates law (he may ask Parliament to reconsider the law, but only once).
Germany
The President of Germany has the duty to duly promulgate and issue laws, unless the President deems them "evidently unconstitutional". The question to what degree they must be convinced of the constitutional violation to deny promulgation is hotly debated.
Hong Kong
Bills have to be signed and promulgated by the Chief Executive, and be announced by the government in the gazette.
Hungary
Legislative proposals adopted by the National Assembly obtain the force of law only after they are signed by the President of the Republic and published in the official gazette Magyar Közlöny.
India
If at any time the Indian Parliament is not in session, the President of India on the recommendation of the Union Cabinet may promulgate an ordinance, which will have the same effect as an Act of Parliament. However, such ordinance will be presented before the parliament for final approval. They can only be issued when Parliament is not in session. They enable the Indian government to take immediate legislative action. Ordinances cease to operate either if Parliament does not approve of them within six weeks of reassembly, or if disapproving resolutions are passed by both Houses. It is also compulsory for a session of Parliament to be held within six months.
Ireland, Republic of
All laws passed by the Oireachtas are promulgated by a notice in the Iris Oifigiúil published by the President of Ireland, as required by the Constitution of Ireland.