Ben Carter
Candles are a popular way to enhance the ambiance of a space, adding fragrance and warmth. In the UK, candles are generally permitted, but there are specific laws and regulations that govern their production, sale, and use. These regulations are in place to ensure safety, consumer protection, and environmental responsibility. With an understanding of these guidelines, individuals can safely enjoy candles in their homes, and candle makers can create products that meet legal and moral obligations.
Characteristics of candles in the UK
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Candle making laws | The General Product Safety Regulations 2005, Consumer Rights Act 2015, CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging) |
| Candle composition | Lead wicks banned |
| Labelling | All warnings must be visible and legible, pictograms and statements can be arranged as per preference, labels must be in the language of the country where candles are sold, UFI code to appear on labels from 2025 |
| Packaging | Harmonised mandatory signage, waste management and sorting information, no detachable parts for candles in the shape of cakes, sweets or other foods |
| Usage instructions | Never leave unattended, keep away from flammable objects, keep out of reach of children and pets, avoid direct inhalation of smoke, ventilate room after use, use a suitable heat-resistant support, use a bowl filled with water for floating candles |
| Allowed in carry-on luggage? | Yes, but must be encased in a hard case or sturdy container, especially glass jar candles |
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What You'll Learn
Candle safety regulations in the UK
In the UK, candle safety is governed by a set of laws that ensure consumer protection, safety, and environmental responsibility. Here is an overview of the key candle safety regulations in the UK:
The General Product Safety Regulations 2005 (GPSR)
The GPSR is the overarching law that ensures the safety of goods intended for consumer use, including candles. It mandates that candles must not pose any risks of harm when used as intended. Under this regulation, the use of lead wicks was banned in the UK due to the health risks associated with lead exposure. Candle makers must comply with this regulation to ensure their products are safe and reliable.
Consumer Rights Act 2015
The Consumer Rights Act outlines consumer rights when purchasing products. It guarantees consumers' right to receive products that are of satisfactory quality, fit for their intended purpose, and match their description. This legislation ensures that candle makers provide accurate information about their products.
European Candle Standards
Although not legally required, there are three main European candle standards that offer guidance on candle safety: EN 15494 (Safety Labels), EN 15426, and EN 15892. These standards include mandatory pictograms and warnings for candle labels, such as "Never leave a burning candle unattended" and safe distance guidelines. The standards are regularly updated to improve clarity and effectiveness.
CLP Labelling and Packaging
The CLP (Classification, Labelling, and Packaging) directive governs the labelling of hazardous chemicals and mixtures in scented candles and scented wax melts. Each fragrance blend must have its own Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to create a compliant CLP label. The labels must be visible, legible, and written in the language of the country where the candles are sold.
Additional Regulations for Food-shaped Candles
Candles that resemble food items, such as cakes, sweets, or fruits, are subject to strict regulations to prevent ingestion risks, especially by children. These regulations include specific rules for packaging and labelling to avoid confusion with real food items. Food imitation candles must not have detachable parts that could be ingested and must comply with waste management and sorting requirements.
Reporting to Poison Control Centres
Mixtures containing hazardous substances must be declared to poison control centres. This ensures effective management and rapid response in case of emergencies involving hazardous candle mixtures.
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Candle labelling and legal obligations
The rules and regulations in the UK for candle makers are complicated and overwhelming, which is understandable given the web of laws and regulators involved. Here is a guide to candle labelling and legal obligations:
CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging)
The CLP regulation is a European directive that governs the labelling of hazardous chemicals and mixtures. It applies to all scented candles and scented wax melts, even those made with natural ingredients. The CLP-compliant label design is not as straightforward as it is in the United States, where you only need to identify a few basic things. In contrast, CLP-compliant labels must include a lot more information, such as the candle maker's name and address, batch number, and fragrance load percentage. Additionally, CLP labels must differ according to the fragrance used, and all information must be written in the language of the country in which the candles are sold.
AFNOR
The AFNOR regulation is a European standard relating to safety against the fire risks of candles. It requires candles to have labels that comply with the NF EN 15494 standard, which covers fire safety. Since January 1, 2019, AFNOR labelling has consisted of 9 mandatory pictograms, including a triangle containing an exclamation mark and 8 other pictograms that provide safety advice on the use of candles.
UFI Code
From 2025, the UFI code must appear on the label of all products containing hazardous mixtures. This 16-digit code is used by Poison Centres to rapidly identify the contents of your candle in an emergency. While UFIs are not required if you are selling in the UK, including them can be beneficial.
General Product Safety Regulations 2005
These regulations require that all products, including candles, must be safe for consumers to use. This means that candle makers must ensure their products do not pose any risks of harm when used as intended. For example, the use of lead wicks has been banned in the UK due to the health risks associated with lead exposure.
Consumer Rights Act 2015
This legislation outlines the rights of consumers when purchasing products. It ensures that consumers have the right to receive products that are of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, and match the provided description.
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UK candle-making laws
The popularity of candles in the UK has been on a steady upward trajectory, with consumers spending nearly £1.9 billion a year on candles. This makes it a great time to start a candle business. However, candle making in the UK is guided by a set of laws that uphold safety, consumer protection, and environmental responsibility.
General Product Safety Regulations 2005
The General Product Safety Regulations 2005 require that all products, including candles, must be safe for consumers to use. This means that candle makers must ensure their products do not pose any risks of harm when used as intended.
Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008
According to the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, candle labels must provide accurate information about the product, including its ingredients, safety instructions, and any potential hazards. This transparency helps consumers make informed choices and ensures they can use the product safely.
CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging)
CLP is the European directive that governs the labelling of hazardous chemicals and mixtures. It applies to all scented candles and scented wax melts, even those made with natural ingredients. Candle labels must comply with two essential standards: NF EN 15494, which covers fire safety, and CLP regulations, which govern the labelling of hazardous substances.
Food Imitations (Safety) Regulations 1989
If your candles could be considered food imitation items, for example, if they are shaped like food or contain food scents such as birthday cake or Christmas cookie, they are heavily regulated to limit the risk of people confusing them with food and eating them. If a candle can be confused with food, it is prohibited under the Food Imitations (Safety) Regulations 1989.
Companies Act 2006
Customers, by law, have the right to know who they are entering into a contract with. This is covered mainly by the Companies Act 2006. You must provide your business name, legal ownership name, and an address where legal documents can be sent. These requirements apply to receipts, invoices, orders, and business correspondence.
E-commerce Regulations
If you sell your candles online, you are entering into a legal contract with your customers and must offer a 14-day return period. Your website must also state your name, geographical address, email address, VAT number, and your British Candlemakers Federation (BCF) membership information (if applicable).
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Candles in carry-on luggage
In the UK, solid candles are typically allowed in carry-on luggage. However, there are a few important restrictions and guidelines to keep in mind. Firstly, candles must be made of solid wax and cannot contain any liquid or gel components. This includes lamp oil, essential oils, or gel, which must comply with liquid restrictions if present. Decorative items embedded in the candle, such as flower petals, seeds, or leaves, are also not permitted in carry-on bags.
When packing candles in carry-on luggage, it is recommended to use protective packaging like bubble wrap to safeguard them from damage. Candles should be easily accessible during security checks and placed in a clear, plastic, resealable bag. Scented candles are allowed but should be securely sealed to avoid overwhelming fragrances in the cabin. Battery-operated candles are also allowed in carry-on luggage and are a hassle-free option.
It is important to note that candle restrictions can vary by airline and destination, so it is always advisable to check with the specific airline and the regulations of the destination country. Additionally, the final decision rests with the security officer examining your bags, and they may confiscate candles even if they meet the guidelines.
To ensure a smooth travel experience, it is best to follow the guidelines, pack your candles properly, and be aware of any region-specific regulations. With the right preparation, you can bring your favourite candles along on your travels without any issues.
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Candles in checked luggage
In the UK, solid candles are generally allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage. However, it’s always a good idea to check with the specific airline or airport for any additional restrictions or requirements. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) allows candles in both carry-on and checked luggage but with certain restrictions. Candles must be made of solid wax and cannot contain gel or liquid. They also cannot consist of prohibited items like fireworks or gunpowder.
When packing candles in checked luggage, it is recommended to cover them in plastic wrap or a sealable plastic bag in case the wax melts. Melted wax can stain clothing and is difficult to remove. If you are travelling during the summer, be aware that the cargo area can get extremely hot.
Gel candles are classified as liquids and need to follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule, meaning each container must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less, all must fit in a single quart-sized bag, and only one bag is allowed per traveller. Battery-operated candles should be packed in hand luggage.
To save time at security, place your candle in a clear plastic bag outside of your cabin bag so that it can be easily inspected by security officers. If your candle is a gift, do not wrap it, as you may have to open the packaging for inspection.
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Frequently asked questions
Solid candles are generally allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage, but gel candles are treated as liquids and must adhere to liquid restrictions. It is important to pack candles in protective containers, especially those in glass.
Yes, candle making in the UK is guided by a set of laws that ensure safety, consumer protection, and environmental responsibility. The General Product Safety Regulations 2005 require that candles must be safe for consumers to use and not pose any risks of harm. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 outlines the rights of consumers, ensuring they receive products that are of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, and match the provided description.
Yes, there are regulations in place for selling candles in the UK. All warnings must be visible and legible, and labels must be written in the language of the country where the candles are sold. Candles in the shape of food are subject to specific rules to avoid confusion, especially for children. Hazardous mixtures must be declared to poison control centres, and packaging must have harmonized signage to inform consumers of appropriate sorting rules.
