The law requires ministers to conduct a proportionality test before introducing new laws or regulations that protect certain professions, or when amending existing rules about regulated professions. Ministers must justify that such restrictions are necessary and proportionate and register them in a special database. This applies to all legally protected occupations, for example where a special examination or license is required to practice. The law implements EEA rules that ensure professional requirements are not disproportionate barriers to the free movement of workers.