Retra has approached the government for clear guidance on how new energy efficiency regulations due to come into effect from July 2025 will affect retailers' ability to sell existing stock and manage future inventory.
Retra
Director Jeff Moody said: "Our members are making critical stock
purchasing decisions right now for the 2025 season without knowing what they'll
legally be able to sell after July next year. This creates significant business
risk for independent retailers who typically invest in stock up to 12 months in
advance."
The
new regulations, which stem from EU requirements that will apply in Northern
Ireland under the Windsor Framework, introduce stricter energy efficiency
standards and a new A-G energy labeling system for household tumble dryers.
However, retailers are currently in the dark about whether existing stock can
be sold after the deadline, what happens to products already in the
distribution chain, and how this affects the repair and second-hand market.
Mr
Moody added: "Independent electrical retailers in the UK and Northern
Ireland are facing a perfect storm of uncertainty. They need to know whether
they can continue to sell existing stock after July 2025, what happens to
products currently in the supply chain, and whether they can still repair and
refurbish existing models for the second-hand and rental markets. Without this
clarity, retailers risk being left with unsellable inventory or missing
opportunities to stock compliant products."
Retra
is calling for immediate government guidance to help retailers make informed
purchasing decisions and manage their inventory effectively ahead of the new
regulations, which will require new eco-programmes and set minimum energy
efficiency standards for tumble dryers. The association also needs clarity on
how the new A-G energy labeling system will be implemented and communicated to
consumers.
