Regulatory toxicology is the branch of toxicology (the study of adverse effects of chemicals) that uses scientific knowledge to develop regulations and other strategies for reducing and controlling exposure to dangerous chemicals.

The legal framework in this area is promulgated by governmental agencies. Examples of such agencies in the United States are the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Corresponding agencies exist in the European Union (EU) at the national or union level. The primary examples of authorizing legislation in the United States are the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (1938), the Occupational Safety and Health Act (1970), the Clean Air Act (1970), the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (1972), the Toxic Substances Control Act (1976), and the Clean Water Act (1977). Corresponding laws exist in the EU.

The Society of Toxicology (United States), EUROTOX (Europe), and the International...