When people face the prospect of a law or technical regulation against them, the instinct of most is to go into the stages of denial: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance.
By the time they have moved to acceptance, it is usually too late. The law or regulation is adopted.
Instead, as soon as you hear the sound of political/regulatory action, I recommend you follow the eight steps (see below).
I think you need to be able to do all 8. If you miss one, your chances of success goes down a lot, if you miss two, I suspect it is terminal.
In both cases, the most important are (1) being trusted by the decision-makers and (2) your team promoting your case can communicate to non-experts.
Legislation
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Trusted
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Speak to the lead(s). See what the problem is and how you can help solve the issue.
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Shadow Impact Assessment: early on and objective
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Clear Public Policy Ask and Solution & Evidence*
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Your case makes sense to non-experts
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Legislative language pre-prepared sitting in your filing cabinet
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Trusted by key decision-makers-influencers: Task Force, ISSG, Cabinets, likely Rapporteurs/Shadows (their advisors/Group Advisors), Member State lead officials, Ministers
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Your team promoting your case can communicate with non-experts
Regulation (Substances)
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Trusted
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Speak to the lead(s). See what the problem is and how you can help solve the issue.
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Commission studies (in partnership with the regulator) to fill any gaps.
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Details of Use: Up to date and accurate.
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Details of Hazard**: Up to Date. Factor in the worst-case scenario.
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Details of Socio-Economic Benefits***: Up to date.
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Risk Assessment: Emissions*** ( environment, workplace, life cycle), objective data, risk management measures.Factor in the worst-case scenario.
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Your expert(s) promoting your case can communicate with the right audiences.
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* Public. Make your data available.
**: It is helpful to have checked by a world-class, respected independent expert.
*** There are only a few experts who can do this. Don’t let your PR agency do it.