Originally Posted by
sonicbum
Depends where You are, and often the answer will be found in the AIP Enroute section 1. As an example, for the UK :
3.2.2.4.1 In order to ensure that controllers can accurately predict flight profiles to maintain standard vertical separation between aircraft,
pilots of aircraft commencing a climb or descent in accordance with an ATC Clearance should inform the controller if they anticipate that their rate of climb or descent during the level change will be less than 500 ft per minute, or if at any time during such a climb or descent their vertical speed is, in fact, less than 500 ft per minute.
The above is complemented by the rules of CDO below 6000 ft where applicable.
That's en route not approach.
The 500fpm minimum (in the UK) is only a requirement above the transition altitude and in a hold.