EU Regulatory Law

Van Bael & Bellis has developed, over the years, an outstanding practice covering various aspects of the European Union’s regulatory laws. This is particularly so in the areas of environmental law, consumer protection issues, data protection law, product safety, standards and CE marking, agricultural and food law and, chemicals. This expertise includes the implementation of the relevant EU laws in all the Member States.

As regards the EU’s environmental law, Van Bael & Bellis’ regulatory lawyers are specialised in all its aspects. The firm regularly advises multinational companies, trade associations and third-country governments on various aspects of EU environmental law in particular sectors.  Some of the more common sectors are waste, in particular end-of-life products (vehicles, electronics, batteries, etc.), hazardous waste and the cross-border transport of waste, the REACH Regulation, other product-related legislation, packaging, climate change and emissions trading, environmental taxes, eco-labelling, the Community eco-management and audit scheme, and the interface between WTO rules and protection of the environment. 

In addition the firm’s lawyers advise clients on all aspects of the “new approach” Directives (concerning, among others, electrical equipment, machinery, toys, construction products and personal protective equipment), CE markings, and the harmonised standards which are frequently being adopted under these Directives.

Our services in the data protection field comprise audits, compliance programmes, training, data security and registration. We provide legal advice on a broad range of issues, often at pan-European level, including on questions relating to international data transfers, outsourcing, HR, direct marketing and CRM as well as new technologies.

Van Bael & Bellis’ regulatory lawyers are likewise specialised in the EU’s agricultural and food legislation covering all aspects of the food chain, “from farm to fork”.  The firm assists EU and international food producers, distributors as well as farmers on all the issues of the EU regulation in this sector.  It covers aspects such as labelling, geographical indications, novel food, GMO’s, traceability, and food safety.

A specialised team of lawyers works on a daily basis for the firm’s clients in the aforementioned areas, providing advice on specific legal issues as well as monitoring reports on developments in various aspects of the EU’s regulatory framework while also using their knowledge in front of the courts.  These lawyers have built up a network of contacts in the Community Institutions (Commission, Parliament, Council) and Member States’ regulatory authorities, which means the latest information can be obtained at any given time, however complex the issue.