Irish Retailers Demand Equal Recycling Standards for Online Rivals

Irish retailers are urging the government to enforce equal recycling responsibilities on cross-border vendors, ensuring they comply with the same regulations that govern domestic businesses. The call comes as concerns grow that international sellers, particularly those shipping directly to Irish consumers from countries like China, are evading their legal obligations regarding product recycling.

Under current Irish regulations, sellers must fund the collection and recycling of products or packaging sold on the Irish market. This includes registering with a compliance scheme, reporting sales, and paying fees to cover the environmental costs associated with end-of-life product disposal. According to Digital Business Ireland (DBI), an organization representing online sellers, many cross-border companies effectively operate outside this framework.

A recent study commissioned by DBI and conducted by Amárach surveyed 1,000 Irish consumers, revealing that 60% would refrain from purchasing from online vendors that do not meet their recycling responsibilities. The research highlights a growing awareness among shoppers regarding environmental issues, with 70% of respondents aged 55 and older indicating they would be less likely to support retailers that do not contribute to Ireland’s environmental goals.

Caroline Dunlea, chairperson of DBI, emphasized the disparity between Irish and international retailers. “Retailers in Ireland are playing by the rules, registering, reporting, and contributing to take-back schemes, while many overseas distance sellers continue to bypass those obligations,” she stated. This situation places a burden on compliant Irish businesses, she added.

The 2025 European E-Commerce Report further supports these claims, noting that Ireland leads Europe with a remarkable 95% online shopping rate. The report showed that 80% of consumers express concerns about the responsibilities of online sellers, particularly regarding sustainability issues associated with importing goods. This concern is more pronounced among younger consumers, with over 85% of those aged 35 and under sharing similar worries.

DBI advocates for government intervention to level the playing field. They propose a “pay-on-behalf” model, where large online marketplaces would assume responsibility for registering, reporting, and paying environmental compliance fees for sellers based outside Ireland. This model is already in place in several European Union countries, including France, Germany, Italy, and Spain.

“We need national action now to protect compliant Irish businesses, strengthen recycling performance, and safeguard consumer trust,” Dunlea urged. The call for reform underscores the urgency of addressing environmental responsibilities in an increasingly global online marketplace, ensuring that all retailers contribute fairly to the sustainability efforts within Ireland.