SEAI review finds mixed energy-labelling compliance across Irish retail
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), in its role as the Market Surveillance Authority (MSA) for the Ecodesign and Energy Labelling of energy-Urelated 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.
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.
“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 [email protected].