Irish Retailers Demand Equal Recycling Rules for Cross-Border Sales

UPDATE: Irish retailers are calling for urgent action to enforce recycling responsibilities on cross-border online vendors. This demand comes as a new study reveals that 60% of Irish consumers would avoid purchasing from sellers that neglect their recycling obligations.

Officials from Digital Business Ireland (DBI) emphasize that cross-border competitors, including those shipping directly from China and other Asian markets, currently evade local regulations that require companies to register, report sales, and fund recycling efforts in Ireland. The legal framework mandates that sellers of products like batteries and electronics contribute to a compliance scheme to ensure proper recycling and disposal.

According to the 2025 European E-Commerce Report, 95% of the Irish population shops online, making this issue increasingly critical. DBI chairperson, Caroline Dunlea, states, “Retailers in Ireland are playing by the rules, while many overseas distance sellers continue to bypass those obligations.”

A recent survey conducted by Amárach highlights a growing awareness among consumers regarding environmental impacts. Notably, 70% of respondents aged 55 and over indicated they would be less likely to buy from retailers who do not support Ireland’s environmental goals.

DBI’s findings show overwhelming support for regulatory change. Approximately 80% of consumers express concerns about the sustainability practices of online sellers, with this figure rising to over 85% among those aged 35 and younger.

In light of these developments, DBI is urging the Irish government to implement a “pay-on-behalf” model for large online marketplaces, similar to systems in place across France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. This model would require these platforms to take responsibility for environmental compliance fees on behalf of sellers based outside Ireland.

Dunlea stresses the necessity of immediate government action, saying, “We need national action now to protect compliant Irish businesses, strengthen recycling performance, and safeguard consumer trust.”

As the conversation about sustainability and online shopping intensifies, the demand for equal treatment in recycling obligations is becoming a pivotal issue for Irish retailers and consumers alike.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as the DBI continues to advocate for fair practices in the e-commerce landscape.