What’s Changing for Traders This Week – Week 38, 2026
This week’s trader news includes new Right to Repair rules, an important customs-system change and further warnings about scam emails using the names of genuine or believable events.
Selling Electrical or Electronic Goods? New Right to Repair Rules
New Right to Repair rules came into effect in Ireland on 31 July 2026. They are intended to make it easier for consumers to have certain products repaired instead of replacing them.
The rules currently cover specific products, including:
- Mobile phones, cordless phones and slate tablets
- Televisions and other electronic displays
- Vacuum cleaners
- Washing machines, tumble dryers, dishwashers and refrigerators
- E-bikes, e-scooters and certain other battery-powered transport products
- Domestic local space heaters
- Welding equipment
- Certain servers and data-storage products
Most of the new repair obligations fall on manufacturers. They must make repairs available where technically possible, complete them within a reasonable time and charge either nothing or a reasonable price.
However, this does not remove the responsibilities of the trader who sold the product. If goods are faulty or do not comply with the sales contract, the customer may still be entitled to a repair, replacement, price reduction or refund from the trader under the Consumer Rights Act 2022.
Traders selling covered products should keep clear supplier and manufacturer records and find out how customers can access the manufacturer’s repair service.
This is particularly important for businesses importing products directly from outside the EU. If a manufacturer is not established within the EU, certain responsibilities may pass to its authorised representative, importer or distributor.
Further information is available from the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment: https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/the-business-environment/right-to-repair-directive/
The official guidance confirms the products currently covered and explains the separate responsibilities of manufacturers and traders.
Importing Stock? Revenue’s New Customs System Is Changing
Revenue’s upgraded Automated Import System, known as AIS V2, goes live on 15 September 2026.
The upgrade introduces a new set of information and message structures for customs import declarations. There will be a three-month migration period, with the existing AIS V1 system remaining available until 15 December 2026.
If you submit your own customs declarations, check that your software can work with AIS V2. If you use a customs agent, courier or freight company, confirm that they are prepared for the change.
Remember that even when an agent completes the declaration, the trader is responsible for ensuring that the product, value, origin and other information supplied to the agent is accurate.
Revenue guidance: https://www.revenue.ie/en/customs/businesses/electronic-systems/ais/annex-b-cci/index.aspx
Revenue states that AIS V2 introduces new data elements, messages and business rules, although much of the information needed for an import declaration remains the same.
More Scam Event Emails Reported
Unfortunately, IOMST has received further reports of suspicious and fraudulent emails targeting traders.
Scammers are continuing to use genuine event names, believable festival details, Gmail addresses and online application forms. Some of the emails look convincing because the event itself is real, even though the person requesting payment has no connection to it.
Dublin Autumn Food, Craft and Artisan Festival
A trader contacted IOMST after receiving details about a supposed three-day event called the Dublin Autumn Food, Craft and Artisan Festival, advertised for 25, 26 and 27 September 2026.
The trader became suspicious when the supposed organisers would not provide full event information until payment had been made. As she was already booked to attend another event at the venue on one of the advertised dates, she contacted the venue directly.
According to the trader, the venue confirmed that the advertised three-day festival was not taking place and that the approach was a scam.
This is an important reminder that an online event page or application form does not prove that an event is genuine. Contact the venue independently using the telephone number or email address published on its official website.
Fake Winterval Email Address
Another member reported receiving a scam email from: hello.winterval@gmail.com
This is not the email address published on the official Winterval website. The official contact address is: hello@winterval.ie
Winterval’s official website lists hello@winterval.ie for enquiries and publishes its genuine 2026 trader application forms.
Official information can be checked at: https://winterval.ie/
An address can look convincing while differing from the genuine one by only a few characters. Always check the part of the address after the @ symbol.
Suspicious Listowel Food & Craft Fair Email
IOMST also received an email inviting traders to apply for a Listowel Food & Craft Fair 2026 through a Google Form.
The message used the dates of the genuine Listowel Food Fair but was sent using a Gmail address designed to look official. IOMST contacted the genuine organisers directly to ask them to verify it.
Until an opportunity has been confirmed through an official organiser’s website, social media account or recognised email address, traders should not submit sensitive information or make a payment.
The genuine Listowel Food Fair website is: https://www.listowelfoodfair.ie/
Please Check Before You Pay
Before paying for any market or event:
- Check the sender’s complete email address
- Find the organiser’s details independently
- Contact the venue directly
- Check whether the opportunity appears on the organiser’s official pages
- Be cautious if information is withheld until payment is made
- Do not rely on a Google Form, Eventbrite page or professional-looking flyer as proof
- Avoid payment methods that offer little or no protection
Scammers are becoming better at copying genuine names, dates and branding. Taking a few minutes to verify an opportunity directly could prevent a significant financial loss.
You can also read our earlier warnings:
Market Scams Are Getting Harder to Spot: https://iomst.ie/scams-are-getting-harder-to-spot/
Urgent: Please Check Who Is Really Emailing You About Events: https://iomst.ie/urgent-please-check-who-is-emailing-you/
If you receive a suspicious invitation, please send it to IOMST. Reports from members help us identify patterns and warn other traders before anybody loses money.
For more Information, Guides Help, Support or Advice. Get in touch with IOMST and become a member today!
Grainne & Greg
Just a little reminder:
This blog is here to spark ideas and help you think about your business in new ways. What works for one person might not suit another. Take what’s helpful, adapt it to your own style, and if you ever need more tailored advice, just get in touch. That’s what we’re here for, supporting you and your business every step of the way.