Regulatory: Environment | Europe

The firm 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. On 1st May 2024, Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling merged to form A&O Shearman.

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 further advises on compliance frameworks relating to the Biocidal Products Regulation.

Steptoe is a highly experienced 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 Board of Appeal of ECHA relating to REACH and substance classifications. The law firm further assists with non-contentious matters, such as biocide regulations. Steptoe also offers expertise 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 further noted for its expertise advising on public policy. The law firm represents clients in novel EU environmental regulations including the Directive on Single-Use Plastic Products, as well as EU emissions trading and REACH authorisations. Covington further 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 for international associations on Brexit-related matters, the impact of COVID-19 and advising clients on the European Green Deal.

Jones Day has a notable regulatory offering with teams across Europe advising the chemical 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 advising clients on food safety regulations. The law firm further assists with market access for novel food items and coordination with the EFSA. The firm also assists clients with environmental regulatory advice, offering notable expertise in matters concerning Biocidal Products Regulation and sustainable products.

Latham & Watkins has a respected environment offering, with particular strength in the UK. The law firm acts for a range of clients including industrial manufacturers, private equity firms and petrochemical companies on regulatory aspects of acquisitions, as well as advising on REACH compliance and carbon regulations.