The highest recorded rate of energy labelling compliance since 2019

• The highest recorded rate of energy labelling compliance since 2019
• 87% of products displayed in stores are compliant with EU energy labelling requirements, according to SEAI
• Lower rates of compliance online, as compared to in-store.
• Smartphones and tablets for sale will require an energy label from 20 June 2025.
   

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), as the Market Surveillance Authority (MSA) for the Ecodesign and Energy Labelling of energy-related products in Ireland, has announced the 2024 energy labelling inspection campaign findings. It shows high compliance rates in Irish stores with 87% of assessed products on display compliant with the EU energy labelling requirements. This is the highest recorded rate of compliance since 2019, up 4% from the previous year.  

SEAI conducted a comprehensive program of inspections, assessing EU Energy Labelling Regulation compliance of more than 24,000 electrical products on display in 110 stores nationwide. Energy labelling covers a wide range of products, including kitchen appliances, televisions, and lighting products.  

“The labels required under these regulations provide consumers with important information on the energy consumption of products, informing their product selection. Labels also encourage manufacturers to innovate, improving the energy efficiency of products over time. According to a Eurobarometer survey, almost 80% of respondents said they consider the energy label when purchasing a new appliance”, said Tim Stokes, Market Surveillance Authority Programme Manager.

While the overall compliance rate for in-store products is encouraging, SEAI identified 13% of products as non-compliant, predominantly televisions and domestic ovens, mainly because of missing or incorrect labels.

Alongside store visits, the MSA inspected 35 promotional materials and found 46% were compliant.  

The MSA also inspected 55 websites, using a classification system, and rated 27% of websites as having good levels of energy labelling compliance up from 20% the previous year.

The products requiring energy labels will soon increase, with the notable addition of new smartphones and tablets from 20 June 2025. This will bring a wider set of retailers into the frame of energy labelling compliance in store and online.  

“SEAI encourages better use of energy, and energy labels provide information that allows consumers to choose more energy efficient products. The introduction of energy labels for mobile devices is a significant step towards greater consumer awareness”, explained Tim Stokes, Market Surveillance Authority Programme Manager.  

“As always, SEAI is committed to providing retailers with the necessary resources and support to ensure a smooth transition and full compliance”. 

In addition, the SEAI website offers a range of educational resources, including retailer guides, regulatory updates, and a training video. Retailers are urged to utilise these resources and contact the MSA with any questions or concerns: [email protected]

SEAI is the Market Surveillance Authority for energy labelling and Ecodesign for energy-related products and tyre labelling sold on the Irish market. SEAI carries out inspections across the country every year to monitor compliance with EU Energy Labelling Regulations and address non-compliance. It examines products instore and online and also looks at advertising.