Jessie Taylor
Candles sold in the United States are subject to various regulations, safety standards, and compliance requirements. The National Candle Association (NCA) has played a leading role in developing industry standards for candles and candle products. The current national industry standards for candles have been developed through the ASTM International standards organization, which has published six candle standards, including specifications for cautionary labeling, fire safety, and the heat strength of glass containers. The Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA) also lists regulations for candles, including restrictions on lead content in metal-cored wicks. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has worked with ASTM International to develop voluntary standards for candles, including terminology, labeling, and fire safety. Candle manufacturers and importers must adhere to these standards and requirements to ensure product quality and safety.
Industry Standards for Candles
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fire Safety | ASTM F-2417 (2017) establishes maximum flame height, tip-over limits, secondary-ignition proscriptions, and end-of-useful life specifications |
| Glass Container Heat Strength | ASTM F-2179 (2014) establishes scratch test and temper specifications, as well as thermal shock differential requirements |
| Candle Accessories | ASTM F-2601 (2018) sets specifications for the fire-safety manufacture, labeling, and testing of candle accessories |
| Cautionary Labeling | ASTM F-2058 covers the voluntary labeling standard concerning candle warning labels |
| Country of Origin Marking | Required for products imported and marketed in the US |
| California Proposition 65 | Restricts the use of toxic chemical substances in consumer products |
| Metal-Cored Wicks | Banned in the US unless they do not exceed the maximum allowable lead limit of 0.06% |
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What You'll Learn
Fire safety standards
Fire safety is a critical aspect of the candle industry, and several standards and regulations are in place to ensure consumer protection. The National Candle Association (NCA) has been instrumental in developing industry standards for candles and candle products, working closely with the ASTM International standards organization. These standards are widely referenced and adopted by candle organizations and regulatory authorities worldwide.
One of the key fire safety standards for candles is the Cautionary Labeling Standard ASTM F-2058, which outlines specifications for warning labels on candles. These labels caution consumers to always keep burning candles within sight, to keep them away from flammable objects, and to store them out of the reach of children. The warning labels also include manufacturer instructions for proper candle burning. The placement of these fire safety warnings is crucial, ensuring they are easily visible and not covered, obstructed, or removed.
Another important standard is the ASTM F2417, which covers candles and candle ensembles. This standard establishes minimum safety requirements to reduce the risk of fires, injuries, and deaths associated with candle usage. It provides guidelines for importers and manufacturers to quantitatively measure the fire hazard of their products under specific fire conditions.
The ASTM F-2601 standard focuses on candle accessories, including candle rings, burners, and holders. It sets specifications for the fire-safe manufacture, labelling, and testing of these accessories, ensuring they meet the necessary safety standards.
In addition to these standards, the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA) plays a vital role in consumer protection. The FHSA bans candles with metal-cored wicks from the US market due to the potential danger of lead content. Only candles with lead content below the maximum allowable limit are permitted for sale.
To ensure compliance with these fire safety standards, importers and manufacturers often conduct lab testing according to relevant methods and specifications. This includes testing for heat strength, scratch resistance, and proper annealing of glass containers used for candles, as outlined in the ASTM F-2179 standard.
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Labelling requirements
ASTM Standards:
The ASTM International standards organization develops and publishes industry standards for candles, including those related to labelling. ASTM F-2058-00, for instance, specifies the requirements for cautionary labelling on candles burned in residential settings. This standard ensures that consumers are adequately warned about potential fire hazards and safe usage instructions.
Country of Origin Marking:
In the United States, candles are required to have a permanent country of origin marking on either the product itself or its packaging. This marking must be securely affixed and clearly visible, complying with the Fair Packaging and Labelling Act (16 CFR 500) and Country of Origin Marking regulations (19 CFR 134).
California Proposition 65:
California has implemented a state regulation, California Proposition 65, which restricts the use of toxic chemical substances in consumer products, including candles. This regulation aims to protect consumers from exposure to harmful chemicals and requires appropriate labelling to indicate compliance.
Lead Content in Wicks:
The Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA) in the United States prohibits the use of lead in candle wicks due to safety concerns. Candles with metal-cored wicks are subject to strict substance restrictions, allowing only a maximum lead content of 0.06%. Proper labelling is essential to ensure consumers are aware of the lead content in the wicks and to comply with FHSA regulations.
Fire Safety Labelling:
ASTM F-2601 (2018) sets the standard for fire safety labelling of candle accessories, such as candle rings, burners, and holders. This standard ensures that accessories are properly labelled with fire safety instructions and warnings, reducing the risk of fire-related incidents associated with candle use.
Adhering to these labelling requirements is essential for candle manufacturers and importers to comply with regulatory standards, protect consumers, and ensure their products meet industry expectations.
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Glass container heat resistance
Glass containers are the most popular type of candle vessel used today. However, not all glass containers are safe to use for candles. The National Candle Association has played a leading role in developing industry standards for candles and candle products, including standards for the heat resistance of glass containers. ASTM F-2179 (2014) is the standard that establishes scratch test and temper specifications for the proper annealing of glass containers used for candles, as well as thermal shock differential requirements.
To ensure the safety of your candle containers, it is important to select a jar that is specifically designed to withstand the heat of a candle. Glass jars produced for candles are typically made of tempered soda-lime-silicate glass, which is a type of glass that has been treated to be stronger and more durable. These jars are usually smooth, non-porous, and thick to prevent breaking and shattering. They should not have any bubbles, weak seams, cracks, or leaks, as these can all result in the jar shattering.
When selecting a glass container for your candle, it is important to choose a jar that is thick enough to bear the heat. Thin glass, such as wine glasses, is very susceptible to shattering. Mason jars and canning jars are safe options for candle containers because they are designed to withstand high temperatures and pressure. These jars can typically withstand temperatures up to 250°F (121°C).
It is also important to test your glass containers to ensure they are safe for candle-making. You can do this by performing multiple test burns and using an infrared thermometer to ensure the jar doesn't get too hot. You should also make sure that your candle is not over-wicked, as this can cause the glass to become too hot and shatter. It is important to always follow safety guidelines and use caution when burning candles in any type of container.
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Country of origin marking
In the United States, candles are subject to various regulations, safety standards, and compliance requirements. Most products imported and marketed in the US, including candles, must contain a permanent country of origin marking on either the product itself or on the surface of both the product and its packaging. This marking must be firmly affixed and should not be easily removable or smudged.
The country of origin marking is part of the compliance requirements that US candle manufacturers and importers must adhere to, along with 16 CFR Part 1500.17, ASTM standards, California Proposition 65, and other standards. The Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA) is also relevant, as it bans candles with metal-cored wicks that exceed the maximum allowable lead limit of 0.06%.
To ensure candle products meet the necessary safety standards, importers and manufacturers often test their products according to relevant standards. ASTM F2417, for example, covers candles and candle ensembles, recommending minimum safety requirements to reduce the risk of deaths, fires, and injuries. It establishes maximum flame height, tip-over limits, secondary ignition proscriptions, and end-of-useful life specifications.
Other ASTM standards relevant to candles include those for glass container heat resistance (ASTM F2179), fire-safety labeling design (ASTM F2417), and candle accessories (ASTM F2601). These standards are developed by ASTM International in collaboration with organisations like the National Candle Association (NCA) and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to improve candle fire safety.
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Metal-cored wicks
In the United States, candles are subject to various regulations, safety standards, and compliance requirements. The Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA) lists candles with metal-cored wicks as potentially hazardous products that may be banned due to their high lead content. The FHSA bans candles with metal-cored wicks from the US market unless they meet the maximum allowable lead limit of 0.06% by weight in the metal core. This limit is supported by laboratory test data, which shows that burning candles with metal-cored wicks containing 0.06% or less lead by weight does not result in detectable emissions of lead into the air.
The history of lead-cored wicks in the US is marked by periods of voluntary and mandatory standards. In the mid-1970s, the domestic candle industry voluntarily stopped using lead in wicks, but some manufacturers resumed producing lead-cored wicks after 1974. In 2000, a task group was formed under the ASTM F15.45 Candle Products Subcommittee to develop a consensus standard for lead content in candlewicks. However, this effort was halted in 2001 in favour of supporting the Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) mandatory rulemaking process.
The CPSC staff analysis of a voluntary standard proposed by Voices of Safety International (VOSI) uncovered several difficulties, including concerns with the scope of the standard, the proposed tensile test methodology, and the acceptance of the standard by the industry. VOSI's standard specified a maximum lead content of 0.01% for domestically produced metal-cored wicks, but no technical or health basis for this level was provided. The CPSC staff maintains that the limit of 0.06% lead by weight in the metal core is appropriate and supported by laboratory test data.
To address the issue of lead-cored wicks, the CPSC has worked with the ASTM subcommittee to develop mandatory fire performance requirements for candles and candle accessories. The ASTM F2417 standard, for example, establishes maximum flame height, tip-over limits, secondary-ignition proscriptions, and end-of-useful life specifications. Additionally, the ASTM F2601 standard sets specifications for the fire-safe manufacture, labelling, and testing of candle accessories.
While zinc core wicks, such as those produced by Atkins & Pearce, are an alternative to lead-cored wicks, it is important to note that customers are responsible for appropriately testing all wicks in their candle formulations and ensuring compliance with applicable safety and burn standards.
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Frequently asked questions
The Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA) covers the legal requirements for front-facing labels. On rectangular containers, the label must cover one side. On round containers, it must cover 40% of the surface. The label must include the name and contact information of the distributor or manufacturer, the net weight of the candle, and a statement of identity.
ASTM F2417 covers candles and candle ensembles. This standard is meant to recommend minimum safety requirements that reduce injuries and deaths by fire. It establishes maximum flame height, tip-over limits, secondary-ignition proscriptions, and end-of-useful life specifications. ASTM F2179 establishes scratch test and temper specifications for the proper annealing of glass containers used for candles. ASTM F2601 sets forth specifications for the fire-safety manufacture, labelling and testing of candle accessories.
The Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA) bans candles with metal-cored wicks from the US market unless they do not exceed the maximum allowable lead limit of 0.06%.
