Regulatory: Environment | Europe

A&O Shearman has an impressive practice with market-leading teams in the UK and Belgium advising on environmental regulations, including REACH, and emissions and biocide regulation. It also assists with environmental permitting and sustainability reporting as well as registration and authorisation procedures for hazardous substances. The law firm also advises clients from the banking sector on their implementation of the EU Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation and other ESG-related policies.

Steptoe is a highly experienced law firm renowned for advising the chemicals and plant protection sectors on contentious regulatory matters. It frequently advises clients on challenges before the EU courts and the ECHA Board of Appeal relating to REACH and substance classifications. The law firm also assists with non-contentious matters, such as biocide regulations. Steptoe additionally offers expertise in advising on compliance questions relating to food contact materials and safety issues.

Covington & Burling hosts an array of impressive regulatory teams offering a strong grasp of the environment, agriculture and food sectors. It is also noted for its expertise in advising on public policy. It represents clients in novel EU environmental regulations including the Directive on Single-Use Plastic Products, as well as EU emissions trading and REACH authorisations. It also acts for food producers and retailers on food safety requirements and advertising regulations. The law firm also benefits from a pre-eminent public policy team, with Brussels-based team members representing clients in their engagement with EU institutions regarding legislative developments, while teams in London advise on UK policy and engagement. It is frequently active on ESG policy and on the European Green Deal for international associations and pharma and tech companies.

Fieldfisher has a renowned offering in Brussels acting for international chemical companies, industrial bodies and research laboratories. The law firm represents clients in litigious matters concerning ECHA product evaluations and data sharing disputes, as well as non-contentious advisory mandates, such as REACH and CLP regulations. It also advises on compliance frameworks relating to the Biocidal Products Regulation.

Jones Day has a notable regulatory offering with teams across Europe advising the chemicals sector. The law firm often acts for consortiums and corporate clients on REACH mandates, handling substance restrictions and authorisations.

Keller and Heckman maintains a leading food and agriculture practice with impressive experience in advising clients on food safety regulations. The law firm also assists with market access for novel food items and co-ordination with the EFSA. The firm additionally assists clients with environmental regulatory advice, offering notable expertise in matters concerning the Biocidal Products Regulation and sustainable products.

White & Case has a growing sustainability and responsible business department spread across several of its European offices, with notable presences in Brussels and London. Its lawyers advise their clients across the full range of environmental laws, regulations and standards, including CSRD and CBAM.