Paul helps clients navigate increasingly complex environmental requirements governing global supply chains and products across their life-cycle.
He works with leading companies to anticipate and comply with product-related environmental requirements in the U.S. and in key markets worldwide. He has represented U.S. business interests in the negotiation and implementation of regional and global environmental agreements that drive national legislation and the circular economy.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
Paul advises companies on compliance with expanding EPR laws governing the management of used and end-of-life electronic equipment, batteries, medical devices, unwanted pharmaceuticals, and plastics packaging in the U.S. and in other countries. He has advised clients on the successful launch of regional and global take-back programs.
Basel Convention and Circular Economy
Paul serves as a strategic advisor to companies on new circular economy initiatives with a focus on reuse of products and materials recovery. He regularly advises on requirements governing transboundary shipments of electronic products for reuse, repair, and recycling. For more than two decades, he has represented clients in the electronics sector on the negotiation and implementation of international waste shipment controls and trade bans arising under the Basel Convention, OECD Council Decision, and U.S. bilateral agreements.
Market Access Legislation
Paul provides compliance advice on market access requirements for products subject to RoHS measures and material ban legislation, energy efficiency mandates, product design requirements, and labeling.
Responsible Sourcing
Paul also advises a diverse group of companies on due diligence, supply chain communication, and disclosure requirements related to the responsible sourcing of timber, conflict minerals, and other raw materials.
Conservation Leadership
Paul is active with many of the country’s leading conservation organizations. He serves on the board of the Conservation Fund which since its founding has protected over 8 million acres of natural lands and working landscapes. He is a former board chair of the Environmental Law Institute (ELI) and Chesapeake Conservancy. He has also served on the boards of the American Bird Conservancy and World Environment Center. He has advised non-profit clients on protecting whales, establishing nature reserves, advancing global protections for albatrosses, and sustainable fisheries management. He also serves on the NatureServe strategic advisory council.
More Legal and Business Bylines From Paul E. Hagen
- Countries to Resume Negotiations on Global Plastics Pollution Treaty: Outlook for INC-4 - (Posted On Thursday, March 21, 2024)
- New Jersey Adopts EPR for EV and Hybrid Car Batteries - (Posted On Wednesday, January 31, 2024)
- Washington State Battery EPR Bill Poised to Become Law - (Posted On Tuesday, May 02, 2023)
- FTC Invites Comments on “Green Guides” Refresh - (Posted On Friday, December 16, 2022)
- U.S. Senate Approves Kigali Amendments Governing HFC Emissions - (Posted On Friday, September 23, 2022)
- The EU’s Ecodesign Directive is Expanded to Include All Products in the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation - (Posted On Thursday, April 28, 2022)
- Negotiations to Launch on New Global Plastics Treaty - (Posted On Thursday, March 03, 2022)
- Proposals to Expand Basel Convention Controls on Circular Economy Trade - (Posted On Thursday, January 14, 2021)
- Controls and Trade Bans on Plastic Waste Shipments Effective January 1, 2021 - (Posted On Wednesday, December 09, 2020)
- Department of Energy Requests Public Input on Energy Conservation Standards for External Power Supplies - (Posted On Wednesday, May 20, 2020)