Household Dishwashers: From non-compliance to resource efficiency

Key Outcomes

• EU Resource efficiency regulations are increasing the lifespan of household dishwashers and other appliances. 
• Through collaboration with SEAI, a manufacturer’s products were brought into compliance with EU resource efficiency requirements, making it easier for customers to repair and maintain appliances supplied by the company. 
• Customers of the manufacturer now have better options for repairing their dishwashers instead of replacing them, saving money in the long run.
• By supporting repairability, the manufacturer contributes to a circular economy, reducing waste and conserving resources.

Introduction

SEAI is the Market Surveillance Authority (MSA) for the ecodesign and energy labelling regulations and is responsible for ensuring the compliance of products placed on the European Single Market under these regulations. SEAI conducts regular monitoring of the Irish market to ensure that non-compliant products are identified, assessed, brought into compliance, or removed from the market.

Background

The Ecodesign Directive aims to improve the energy efficiency of energy-related products on the market by setting higher standards. The Directive currently covers more than 30 energy-related product groups, such as household dishwasher products, which must comply with regulatory requirements. Introduced in 2021, resource efficiency requirements were put in place for household dishwashers placed on the European Single Market. 

In 2021, SEAI launched a campaign to assess the compliance of household dishwashers placed on the market, against the requirements of the ecodesign and energy labelling regulations (2019/2022 and 2019/2017) which came into force that year. This campaign ended in early 2024 with all assessed products being brought into compliance.

Investigation and findings

Over the course of this campaign, the MSA engaged with a number of manufacturers of household dishwasher products, with varying levels of compliance with ecodesign requirements. An internationally renowned EU-based company which has manufacturer and retailer responsibilities for certain products fell short on the newer resource efficiency requirements for manufacturers of dishwashers. The website lacked clear information on spare parts ordering and repair procedures, hindering customer access to essential resources. 

Outcome and Impact

SEAI proactively engaged with the manufacturer, providing guidance and support on compliance. The manufacturer responded positively, making significant improvements:

• A clear and accessible spare parts ordering process was implemented on their website.
• Detailed repair and maintenance information was made available to both consumers and professional repairers. 
• As a result of the MSA's activities, they are rolling out similar changes across their European websites, championing 'repairability' across the single EU market.

Benefit for the business and consumers

The manufacturer's efforts to provide readily available spare parts and repair information directly benefit consumers and the business itself:

• Online access to repair guides and spare parts streamlines the repair process, making it less time-consuming and hassle-free.
• By extending the lifespan of appliances, the manufacturer contributes to reducing waste and minimising their environmental impact.
• Meeting and exceeding regulatory requirements minimise the risk of enforcements.

SEAI's recommendations for manufacturers

• Review internal processes and ensure systems are aligned with resource efficiency regulations.
• Optimise your website and keep information up to date. Make spare parts and repair information easily accessible to consumers and professionals.