Irish performance for EU energy-labelling requirements

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), in its role as the Market Surveillance Authority (MSA) for the Ecodesign and Energy Labelling of energy-related products in Ireland, has published findings from its 2025 retailer energy-labelling inspection campaign. Performance was strong across several major appliance categories, with more than 90% of washing machines, washer-dryers, dishwashers and refrigeration appliances meeting EU energy-labelling requirements. However, across all products examined in physical stores, nearly one in six did not comply.

EU energy-labelling requirements

Missing energy labels and product information were among the principal issues identified, limiting consumers’ ability to compare products’ energy performance before purchasing.

SEAI inspected more than 25,000 products across 110 retail stores, recording an overall in-store non-compliance rate of 16%, compared with 13% in 2024.  Tumble dryers recorded the lowest compliance rate, with almost half of the products examined failing to meet the relevant requirements. The overall result was significantly affected by changes to tumble-dryer energy-labelling requirements that came into effect on 1 July 2025.

The MSA also reviewed 55 websites directed at consumers in Ireland, assessing the availability and presentation of required energy-labelling information. Of these, one in five were classified as having good levels of compliance, down from just over one in four the previous year. The result was influenced by the inclusion of solid-fuel local space heaters, a category not previously examined in detail and which recorded low compliance.

Separately, one in three of the 42 retail promotional materials reviewed met energy-labelling requirements.

Tim Stokes, Market Surveillance Authority Programme Manager at SEAI, said: “Energy labels help consumers compare the potential running costs and energy performance of different product models. When labels are missing or incorrect, it can make it more difficult for consumers to make informed purchasing decisions.”

“While compliance was strong in several major categories, we need to see a big improvement in the results for tumble dryers, online retail and advertising.  SEAI will carry out further inspections in 2026 to assess whether the problems identified have been corrected and will engage with the businesses concerned where issues remain. We continue to support retailers and other stakeholders through guidance, training and ongoing engagement to help ensure consumers have access to clear, reliable energy-performance information when making purchasing decisions.”

A range of resources, including retailer guidance documents, regulatory updates and training materials, is available on the SEAI website, MSA web section for Retailers.

Retailers seeking further information can contact the MSA at MSA@seai.ie.

MSA energy labelling gives customers clear, independently regulated information on a product’s energy efficiency, consumption and performance, helping them compare options and make more informed, cost-effective purchases.

About SEAI

SEAI is the expert authority on decarbonising Ireland’s energy system, using robust, objective data and an evidence-based approach to help inform policy development and energy user behaviours. SEAI empowers households, businesses, motorists and the public sector to move away from fossil fuels with practical advice and financial supports. We encourage positive changes in how Ireland uses energy to deliver a more prosperous, energy efficient and cleaner environment.

SEAI is funded by the Government of Ireland through the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment.

SEAI is the Market Surveillance Authority for the energy labelling and Ecodesign of energy-related products, and for the tyre-labelling regime, in Ireland. SEAI carries out inspections across the country each year to monitor compliance with EU energy-labelling regulations and address non-compliance. Its inspections cover products displayed in stores and online, as well as advertising and promotional materials.

The websites inspected were directed at consumers in Ireland. However, this does not necessarily mean that every website operator was established in Ireland. The MSA’s enforcement powers may differ depending on whether the retailer is based in Ireland, elsewhere in the EU or outside the EU.

From 1 January 2027, household tumble dryers will be required to display updated energy labels that include a repairability-class pictogram. The new A-to-E rating will indicate how easily a product can be repaired during its lifetime, based on factors including the availability of spare parts, ease of disassembly and access to repair information. The measure is intended to help consumers make more informed purchasing decisions, extend product lifespans and support wider environmental and EU climate objectives

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