Regulated Industries

Expert knowledge is increasingly being required in terms of European Community law when working in specialised sectors. The highly individual characteristics of these sectors demand in-depth expertise and experience, not just of the legal intricacies, but also of the business drivers of the sector. Van Bael & Bellis has, over the years, developed comprehensive legal and business know-how in a range of specialist sectors, such as, for instance, chemicals, e-commerce, telecommunications, energy, aviation, postal services, transport, banking and insurance, life sciences (pharmaceuticals and biotechnology), nuclear, agriculture and defence.

Several specialised sectors (e.g., chemicals) have seen a vast increase in regulation, due to several reasons, including the tendency to protect the health and safety (as well as economic safety) of consumers more, and to reduce the impact of industry on the environment. 

Van Bael & Bellis is a leading firm in the area of chemicals (especially the REACH Regulation), pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. The firm’s array of clients includes the major EU multinationals situated in several Member States. They have come to rely on the high level of expertise that Van Bael & Bellis provides, with its broad and in-depth experience, and lawyers from a majority of the EU’s Member States.

Our specialist knowledge in a selection of these areas is documented in the "Special Sectors" chapter of the fifth edition of Competition Law of the European Community, Van Bael & Bellis, 2009.

Van Bael and Bellis also advises and represents a wide range of international clients in specialised sectors, and is regularly involved in competition and regulatory proceedings. The firm also lobbies EU and national decision-makers on behalf of clients, monitors and reports on the latest EU legislative and policy developments, and devises compliance programmes tailored to clients’ business requirements. For example, our firm regularly holds REACH compliance programmes for its clients, in order to ensure that not only the clients themselves, but each supplier in the supply chain, is made aware and follows the strict and complex requirements of the legislation. Furthermore Van Bael & Bellis provides assistance in corporate matters, intellectual property law, the drafting and negotiation of contracts, as well as advocacy before various judicial and administrative bodies at the EU and the national level.