The Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Appliances (AMDEA) has called for Government to speed up UK energy efficiency labelling to be compatible with the EU.

The EU revised ecodesign and energy labelling laws in 2023 for tumble dryers came into effect from July 1, 2025.

It means tumble dryers sold in EU markets, including Ireland, will now use a new rescaled energy label but tumble dryers sold in Britain will feature an un-rescaled energy label.

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According to AMDEA manufacturers cannot provide both labels with their products because the information will be different and, under the legislation, is ‘likely to mislead or confuse’ consumers.

Unless the Government acts fast, the same situation will be played out for British consumers buying other domestic appliances the association has warned.

Paul Hide, CEO of AMDEA, said: “Whilst we welcome the Government’s intention to introduce a regulatory environment that is compatible with that of the EU, the EU adopted these new sustainability rules back in 2023, taking full effect today [July 1] – including in Northern Ireland.

“Tumble dryer manufacturers selling into the UK market are facing additional costs, administrative burdens and uncertainty.

“They have to supply products accompanied by the old efficiency labels for the GB market but change over to entirely different, new labels for machines destined for Northern Ireland.

“Clearly this is incompatible with the principle of ‘unfettered access’ under the Windsor Framework and disruptive to the functioning of the UK internal market, as well as leaving GB consumers behind using the old ratings system.

“We have been warning against this situation for years and are not sure when it will change.

‘We urge Government to speed up regulations that are compatible with the EU requirements or we will see this situation arise for cooking appliances, water heaters and other appliances in the not too distant future’.”