Candle Warning Label Requirements in the US
Short answer
In the US, the candle fire warning follows ASTM F2058, a voluntary standard that asks for a safety alert symbol, the word WARNING, and short statements such as burn within sight. CPSC also requires cautionary labeling for candles that contain a hazardous substance. Get the exact wording from the standard itself.
The fire safety warning on US candles follows ASTM F2058, "Standard Specification for Candle Fire Safety Labeling." It is a voluntary standard, but it is the one shops and the industry expect. I am a candle maker, not a lawyer, so read the standard itself and ask your insurer or a product safety professional about your own products. This guide covers what I could confirm from primary sources.
What is ASTM F2058?
According to ASTM's store page, F2058-07(2021) "covers requirements for fire safety information to be placed on candle units of sale." CPSC lists it among six voluntary candle standards. It allows two formats, and each starts with the safety alert symbol:
- Text-only: the safety alert symbol, then the signal word WARNING in capital letters and bold type, then the statements.
- Text and pictograms: the safety alert symbol followed by pictograms.
The warning must be on the unit of sale and visible at the point of sale, and the standard says it "shall not be covered, obstructed, or removed by the manufacturer, distributor or retailer."
What does the warning say?
The standard's exact wording and layout are in the paid document, which I could not open. CandleScience, summarizing ASTM, CPSC and the National Candle Association, lists three statements:
- Burn within sight (this one has to be written out)
- Keep away from things that catch fire (a pictogram may stand in for the words)
- Keep away from children (a pictogram may stand in for the words)
It also says the Federal Hazardous Substances Act recommends burning directions such as trimming the wick to 1/4 inch (6 mm) and listing a maximum burn time. Many makers add these. Buy the standard or check ASTM's store page to copy the exact words and the pictograms; do not rely on a blog's paraphrase for your label.
Is a warning label required by law?
It depends on the candle, and the sources are careful here.
- CandleScience says including safety information on candles is not legally required, though it strongly recommends it.
- CPSC says candles that contain a hazardous substance as defined under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act must carry cautionary labeling.
- Shops, marketplaces and insurers may ask for ASTM F2058 anyway. Ask the people you sell through what they require.
If you are unsure whether anything in your candle counts as a hazardous substance, ask a product safety professional or CPSC's Small Business Ombudsman (CPSC lists 888-531-9070).
What other rules touch candle labels?
- Lead in wicks. Under 16 CFR 1500.17(a)(13), candles with metal-cored wicks made or imported on or after October 15, 2003 must use wicks whose core has no more than 0.06 percent lead. Outer shipping containers for such candles carry the line "Conforms to 16 CFR 1500.17(a)(13)." CPSC says this is not required on retail packaging. The regulation adds one exception: it is needed if the retail container is the only one shipped to the retailer.
- Main label basics. CandleScience, citing the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act, lists the product name (statement of identity), net weight, and who made it with city and state. The net weight is stated in both ounces and grams and leaves out the wick, jar and packaging.
- Special shapes. 16 CFR 501.7 lets hand-dipped or molded tapered and irregular decorative candles state count and length or height in inches instead.
Our other label guides cover these in detail.
Worked example: a label checklist
This is a checklist, not a legal opinion. Say you pour 8.5 oz container candles:
| Item | Where it goes | Source to check |
|---|---|---|
| Safety alert symbol, WARNING and the statements | On the candle or its unit of sale, visible at sale | ASTM F2058 |
| Product name, e.g. "Scented candle" | Main label | CandleScience, FPLA summary |
| Net weight: 8.5 oz (241 g) | Main label | FPLA summary |
| Maker, city and state | Main label or warning label | FPLA summary |
| Lead-free wick confirmation | From your wick supplier | 16 CFR 1500.17(a)(13) |
The grams check: 8.5 x 28.35 = 240.98, which rounds to 241 g.
Common mistakes
- Copying another maker's label wording from a photo. Use the standard.
- Putting the warning only on the shipping box, where a shop shelf or buyer will not see it. The standard asks for the unit of sale.
- Covering the warning with a second sticker, a ribbon or the lid.
- Weighing the candle with the jar for net weight.
- Assuming that "not required" means "nobody will ask."
- Not updating labels when you change the wax, wick or oil.
Questions
Do I need the pictograms?
The standard offers two options, text-only or text and pictograms. You choose one. Look for the pictogram files on the National Candle Association site, candles.org, and read the terms of use there. I could not open that page to confirm the current files.
Does ASTM F2058 apply to every candle?
The store page says the standard covers fire safety information on candle units of sale. It does not spell out every exception, and I could not open the full text, so read the scope section for your product type.
Can I put the warning on a care card instead?
I did not find a source that allows that, and the standard speaks of the unit of sale. Put it on the candle, and use the care card for extra tips.
How BatchLab helps
The maker behind Ark & Dove built BatchLab for his own candle business. Starter and Maker both include warning and product labels. BatchLab does not decide what your label must say or confirm that it complies, so check the wording against the standard before you print.
Sources
Reviewed , including a safety check against the sources above.