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EU Chemicals & REACH
Steptoe & Johnson LLP has a long history of servicing and advising the chemicals industry in Europe, with particular focus on pesticides, biocides (antimicrobials), hazardous substances regulations and the new REACH regime.
Chemicals & REACH
Our Brussels office has provided strategic analysis and representation for clients on REACH since the first stages of its legislative conception. We have been advising on the legal, regulatory and technical compliance obligations that it imposes since its adoption at the end of 2006.With the 1 December 2008 deadline for pre-registration of phase-in substances fast approaching, our current focus is on helping clients:
- Pre-register all relevant substances in time to benefit from transitional periods during which these substances may continue to be marketed in the European Union prior to full registration;
- Manage their supply chain relationships (producers, importers, downstream and end users) for the purposes of both pre-registration and subsequent registration;
- Comply with their REACH obligations efficiently by planning their pre-Substance Information Exchange Forum (SIEF) and SIEF activities now (particularly regarding substances/tonnages which must be fully registered by 30 November 2010). Develop a strategy to minimise disclosure of sensitive data and CBI and maximise benefit from sales of relevant data within the context of the mandatory data sharing requirements of REACH; and
- Evaluate likely consortia memberships and best protect their interests in cooperation with their competitors.
The sectors we represent include biocides, biotechnology, commodity chemicals, cosmetics, electronics, flavours, food, fragrances, medical devices, metals, pesticides, petrochemicals, polymers and textiles, toys and waste.
Our integrated REACH team, comprising both lawyers and technicians, enables us to provide our clients with an integrated "one stop shop" for efficient compliance with REACH. Additional information on our REACH capabilities and team is available here.
Biocides & Pesticides
Our Brussels office has focused on the regulation of pesticides and biocides since the directives governing each area were issued. With respect to biocides, our firm has represented clients in different sectors of the biocidal products industry on issues including:- Strategy for obtaining marketing authorisation of biocidal products within the European Union;
- Negotiation of consortia agreements;
- Representation of clients on/in consortium meetings;
- Data protection and compensation; and
- Negotiations with the Commission and Member States’ competent authorities.
Steptoe also has a substantial practice representing plant protection product registrants. We support registrants before the Commission and Member States. Our lawyers also have defended registrations before the Court of Justice.
Our relationships with Commission and Member State officials help us to obtain prompt and accurate feedback on even the most difficult issues. In addition, our close working relationship with technical consultants enables us to ensure the effective and efficient preparation of dossiers, resulting in greater over-all efficiency and lower cost for clients.
Select News & Events
- Richard Reinis publishes "REACH EU Regulations Deadline of Dec. 1"
- Darren Abrahams, Craig Simpson Speaking at EU Chemicals Regulation Conference
- Steptoe Names Nancy Russotto European Affairs Advisor
- Steptoe REACH Team Recommended Again
- Steptoe Announces February Conference on "Fuel Rules - Energy, Emissions, and the World Trade Organization." Pascal Lamy, Director-General of the WTO, will be the keynote speaker.
- REACH Beyond Pre-registration
- Bobby Arash and Craig Simpson Present at Annual EU Chemical Regulations Conference
- SIEFs and Consortia: Cooperation under REACH
Publications
- November 28, 2008
- November 11, 2008, ENDS Daily
- August 29, 2008, Law360
- June 17, 2008
