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EU regulatory: Chemicals

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Fieldfisher

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The ‘very available and easy to communicate with’ team at Fieldfisher boasts an all-round practice, acting across legal advisory, EU lobbying, pesticides, and biocides work. The group is adept at handling complex litigation concerning the EU registration and approval of chemicals, agrochemicals and biocides, and is frequently involved in biocide task forces. REACH implementation and compliance are further strengths of the team. David Haverbeke leads the team that notably includes Claudio Mereu and Koen Van Maldegem, both with vast experience in novel and high-profile cases. Maud Grunchard is also integral to the team. Peter Sellar, Gerard McElwee, and Manon Ombredane joined Squire Patton Boggs at the beginning of 2025.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘‘Very available and easy to communicate with. Well-defined roles and responsibilities and broad-range range in capabilities.’

  • ‘They have the skills to quickly understand issues and to provide advice on the best way to proceed.’

  • ‘All associates are very engaged and keen to support clients goals.’

  • ‘Fieldfisher Brussels has a depth of experience in EU Chemicals law, including challenging decisions in the European Court of Justice and in the expert committees of the European Chemicals Agency.'

  • 'Koen Van Maldegem and the team also have a proven track record of collaboration with stakeholders to achieve amendments to proposals. The team has a positive 'how can we help you' approach to work and always delivers as agreed - on time and in full.’

  • ‘Throughout times of change and regulatory uncertainty, the team has been a valuable, all-round legal resource. They always strive to provide relevant insight, anticipating change and staying ahead of the curve to deliver added value to their customers.'

  • ‘I have personally collaborated with Claudio Mereu for years, across diverse industry sectors. The collaborative spirit within the team has always been outstanding and crucial to client success.'

Key clients

  • ADCR Reach Consortium
  • Agria
  • Alcohol Task Force
  • Arche Consulting
  • Ascenza
  • Barclay
  • Polynt s.p.a.
  • Carus
  • Cefic - biocides for Europe
  • Centro Reach SRL
  • Chemours
  • EU Focus Group
  • EU Silver Task Force
  • Finchimica
  • Gowan
  • JT Agro
  • Lubrizol
  • Mancozeb Task Force
  • Manica
  • Nippon Soda
  • Reach Consortia
  • Rotam Agro / Albaugh
  • Sharda Cropchem Limited
  • Suterra
  • Trece

Work highlights

  • Advising CHEMOURS on ongoing restrictions of PFAS under REACH, the largest restriction under REACH ever initiated by the EU authorities, covering more than 10 000 PFAS substances.
  • Advising the EU Silver Task Force on an ongoing basis on a biocidal reviews in Europe with advice ranging from ad-hoc legal advice challenging review conclusions by the member state leading the review, to pre-empting policy developments against silver and its biocidal uses, and to litigation in the European Courts.
  • Assisting 40+ REACH Consortia in their day-to-day activities, ranging from compliance to contract and legal/advocacy support.

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Maud Grunchard
Fieldfisher
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Koen Van Maldegem
Fieldfisher

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

David Haverbeke

Other key lawyers

Claudio Mereu, Koen Van Maldegem, Maud Grunchard