Insights

On July 9, 2025, the Directorate-General for Competition within the European Commission issued two informal guidance letters, both intended to bring increased clarity on competition law compliance to companies in the transport sector.

There is currently a deluge of new EU law being finalized and adopted – particularly on environmental and sustainability issues. At times it may seem overwhelming – with certain new EU laws being overlooked.  However, when serious environmental problems come to light within companies – the first major concern is normally criminal liability. That includes potential criminal liability of the company itself, but also of the CEO, Board Members and other persons leading it. With that in mind – top of a company’s ‘to-do’ list should be ensuring compliance with the new EU Environmental Crime Directive.

Cattle, cocoa, coffee, oil palm, soya, wood, rubber?  Do you sell any of these commodities? Do you sell any products derived, containing or using any of these commodities? Are there any companies in your supply chain which sell or use these commodities, or derivative products?  Do you (or others in your supply chain) sell products in the EU/EEA, or export products from the EU/EEA?  If so, you – and your supply chain – must likely comply with the Deforestation Regulation.[1] And getting ready is no easy feat – even despite the recent actions to postpone some of the application deadlines of concern. 

What impact will the new Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive really have on the pharma and cosmetic industries?