(Robert Gosling, Head of Policy, Regulation and Standards).
The UK domestic appliance sector is facing a fragmented and increasingly burdensome regulatory landscape. AMDEA’s latest paper outlines how passive divergence and regulatory drag are creating uncertainty and inefficiencies across the supply chain. With members facing over 20 legal implementation dates in 2025 and 17 already forecast for 2026, manufacturers are struggling to plan effectively. Despite the new powers granted under the Product Regulation and Metrology Act, the lack of visible cross-government coordination is leading to duplicated obligations and unclear enforcement responsibilities. This overly complex regulatory landscape stifles innovation, growth and ultimately risks adding costs which may be passed on to consumers. It is also to be noted that for the past twenty years the domestic appliance industry has led the way in developing safe, long-lasting, energy and water efficient products at reasonable prices for consumers. In other words this is not a ‘problem’ sector, but one which is pro-actively supporting sustainability goals.
Many of the consultations that underpin current UK product policy were conducted under a previous government and in a different economic climate. These documents often failed to consider long-term impacts or the need for alignment with EU standards. As a result, they now appear outdated and disconnected from today’s political and regulatory priorities. For example, consultations on lighting ecodesign, mandatory water labelling (thus duplicating information already published on energy labels), and electrical waste reform did not address the cumulative cost burden or the implications of divergence. They were published before the recent shift in political leadership and evolving EU relations, making it essential to revisit these policies with fresh scrutiny.
The dual burden of the Plastic Packaging Tax and the Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility exemplifies the financial strain on businesses. Companies face both a tax for using packaging with less than 30% recycled content, and disposal fees if that packaging enters the household waste stream. This overlap, governed by separate departments, adds complexity and cost – particularly for SMEs and manufacturers with dual-use packaging.
The current issues with tumble dryer labelling illustrates regulatory drag in practice. EU regulations now require a rescaled energy label, while GB continues to use outdated versions. Manufacturers must segregate stock and manage dual labelling, disrupting logistics and increasing costs. DESNZ’s recent consultation to align UK requirements is welcome, but the prolonged uncertainty has already damaged market confidence.
Cybersecurity regulation presents another layer of complexity. The PSTI Act introduced a parallel framework that overlaps with EU requirements, forcing manufacturers to comply with duplicative standards. This has added confusion and cost, especially for SMEs and international suppliers.
Beyond product regulation, broader business policies are compounding pressure. Proposed reforms to employment law, rising National Insurance contributions, and changes to inheritance tax all affect workforce strategy and long-term investment. AMDEA’s engagement with the Circular Economy Taskforce advocates for a balanced repair economy and strategic foresight in infrastructure planning.
Digitalisation offers a path forward. Conflicts in product information requirements across UK nations and the EU have disrupted supply chains. AMDEA welcomes OPSS’s intention to allow digital product documentation and urges coordination with European markets. Digital Product Passports could streamline compliance and support consumers, regulators, and supply chain actors.
The UK has the tools to lead globally in product regulation. AMDEA recommends a unified cross-government vision, strategic compatibility with EU regulations, deeper engagement with manufacturers at an earlier stage in policy development, support for digital product passports, paperless documentation, modernised consumer labelling, and growth of the repair economy. Without coordinated action, passive divergence and regulatory drag will continue to erode competitiveness and inflate costs.
Please see below for the full paper.