What Goes on a Candle Label Besides the Warning?

Besides the fire warning, CandleScience lists three things for the main label, citing the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA): a statement of identity (what the product is), the net weight in ounces and grams, and the manufacturer's name with city and state. Everything else on a candle label is optional, though helpful. I am a candle maker, not a lawyer. I used CandleScience's summary and the federal rules it points to. Those rules are 16 CFR Part 500, which the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issues under the FPLA. Check them yourself before you print.

What are the three main label items?

• Statement of identity. What the product is, such as "Scented candle." CandleScience says the FPLA does not require the wax type or scent name, but it recommends adding them.
• Net weight. CandleScience says to show it in ounces and grams, for example "8.5 oz (241 g) net weight," and that it counts only the wax, fragrance and dyes. The wick, container and other packaging are left out.
• Who made it. Your business name plus the manufacturer's city and state. CandleScience says the city and state may appear on the warning label instead.

The federal text adds detail. 16 CFR 500.5 says the label must show the name and place of business conspicuously. The place of business includes the street address, city, state and ZIP code, and the street address may be left off if it appears in a readily accessible, widely published, publicly available resource such as a directory or website. If your name differs from the manufacturer's, a phrase such as "Manufactured for" or "Distributed by" shows the link. 16 CFR 500.6 says net quantity goes on the principal display panel, in the lower portion. For panels of 5 square inches or less, the lower-30-percent rule does not apply. 16 CFR 500.8 says weight statements use both avoirdupois pounds and ounces and metric units, and gives "Net Wt 15 oz (425 g)" as an example.

Where does the label go?

CandleScience says the main label goes on the outer packaging or the product itself, usually on the jar. A tag works when the container has no smooth surface. The fire warning is usually on the bottom of the container. Our warning label guide covers that part.

Is anything else required?

• Lead in wicks. CPSC says metal-cored wicks may not exceed 0.06 percent lead by weight. The line "Conforms to 16 CFR 1500.17(a)(13)" goes on the outer shipping package for such candles, and CPSC says it is not required on retail packaging.
• Hazardous substances. CPSC says candles that contain a hazardous substance under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act must carry cautionary labeling.
• Burn directions. CandleScience says the FHSA recommends burning directions, such as trimming the wick to 1/4 inch (6 mm) and a maximum burn time. The NCA says candles generally should not burn longer than 4 hours at a time and should be discarded when about half an inch (13 mm) of wax is left.

What is optional?

CandleScience suggests wax type, fragrance name, main scent notes, average burn time, and your website or social handle. Treat these as marketing information, and keep every claim true.

Worked example: net weight

These numbers are examples. Weigh the empty jar with its wick (and lid, if you ship it on) before pouring. Say that is 12.4 oz. After the candle sets, the whole candle weighs 21.4 oz.

• Net weight: 21.4 - 12.4 = 9.0 oz
• In grams: 9.0 x 28.35 = 255.15, about 255 g
• Label text: "9 oz (255 g) net weight"

A 12 oz candle works out to 12 x 28.35 = 340.2, about 340 g. I rounded to the nearest gram. 16 CFR 500.19 says the metric figure should be shown in three digits (two below 100 grams) and points to NIST Handbook 133 for conversions, so check there if a number sits close to a rounding line. Do not put the weight of the finished candle with jar on the label. CandleScience says that does not satisfy the requirement.

Are any candles treated differently?

Yes, a few. 16 CFR 501.7 says tapered candles and irregularly shaped decorative candles that are hand dipped or molded may state net quantity as count and length or height in inches, instead of the usual count and measure. Jar candles are not on that list.

How do I read a label's spec info as a shopper or buyer?

Makers should know what each number means, so they can answer questions.

• Net weight tells you how much wax is in the container. It does not tell you the size of the jar. A short wide jar and a tall narrow one can both be 9 oz.
• Burn time is an estimate. The NCA defines it as "the estimated amount of time your candle will burn for." A real candle will burn shorter or longer depending on trimming, drafts and how long each session lasts. Only print a number you tested.
• Wax type says what the base is. It does not give the fragrance load or wick.
• Scent notes describe the scent. They are not an ingredient list.

Common mistakes

• Using the weight of the whole candle with the jar.
• Grams only, or ounces only.
• No city and state anywhere on the product.
• Printing a burn time you never tested.
• Claims such as "non-toxic" or "clean" with no way to back them up. See our guide on those claims.
• Assuming the warning label counts as the main label.

Questions

Do I have to list ingredients?

CandleScience's label article does not cover ingredients, and says to verify other items against the FPLA and its sources. I did not find an ingredients rule in what I read, so ask a product safety professional.

Do I need a batch or lot number?

Not in the sources I read. A batch code helps you trace a complaint back to a pour, and many makers add one. That is a good practice, not a rule I can cite.

Can I put all of this on a small label?

The warning, net weight and maker line can sit on separate labels. CandleScience says size the label to fit the container and use readable fonts.