Electrical retailers in Northern Ireland are being urged to act promptly following notifications from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the Republic of Ireland regarding waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) regulations.
The EPA Ireland has identified retailers based in Northern Ireland who are selling electrical and electronic equipment directly to consumers in the Republic of Ireland, classifying them as "producers" under EU regulations.
Retra Commercial Director Jeff Moody said: "We're aware that several Northern Ireland retailers have received formal notices from the EPA Ireland. These notices require retailers to comply with Republic of Ireland WEEE regulations, with a response deadline of Friday, 4th April 2025."
The notices from EPA Ireland require affected retailers to appoint an Authorised Representative in the Republic of Ireland, register with Producer Register Limited (PRL), report monthly on all EEE placed on the Irish market, and join a compliance scheme such as WEEE Ireland or ERP Ireland.
Mr Moody added: "Northern Ireland retailers typically fall into one of two scenarios. If they import EEE into the UK including Northern Ireland, they're classified as EEE producers under UK regulations and should work with Ecogenesys, formerly REPIC. If they sell EEE directly to consumers in the Republic, they may have additional obligations under Republic of Ireland regulations."
"We recommend responding to the EPA promptly, stating that you are seeking advice from Ecogenesys, Retra's partner for EEE producer registration in the UK. This provides appropriate coverage while determining next steps," said Mr Moody.
An important clarification was also highlighted: if a wholesaler, distributor, or retailer in the Republic of Ireland purchases products from a Northern Ireland business, the Republic of Ireland entity would be classified as the producer instead, as they would be placing the product on the Irish market by nature of import.
Retra is advising affected members to contact Ecogenesys for UK producer obligations or WEEE Ireland directly for Republic of Ireland obligations.
Mr Moody added: "This is an important regulatory development for Northern Ireland electrical retailers who sell across the border. We are working closely with our partners to ensure our members have the support they need to maintain compliance in both markets."
Visit the Ecogenesys website at www.ecogenesys.co.uk
