Trade and environment

Lawyers in the firm have gained considerable expertise in assessing the market access implications and WTO compatibility of national and regional frameworks addressing environmental and sustainability concerns. Our experience is based on the comprehensive knowledge of relevant international regulatory frameworks, the solid understanding of the functioning of regulatory mechanisms at stake, as well as of the interplay between environmental regulation and trade rules.

In particular, we have advised on the WTO compatibility of a broad range of climate change mitigation measures, such as emission trading schemes, subsidies schemes to the renewable energy industry, carbon taxes and regulatory frameworks limiting greenhouse gas emissions in certain sectors (i.e., transportation). We have also extensively analysed the market access implications and WTO compatibility of environmental regulations in a number of areas, including fisheries, forestry and biofuels, particularly in relation to certification and licensing requirements. We have also advised on bilateral trade facilitation and compliance mechanisms.

The firm’s relevant experience in advising on the implications on trade of environmental and climate change concerns includes: