This guide covers everything you need to know about candle warning labels, ASTM F2058 compliance, and CPSC regulations in straightforward, actionable terms.
Selling scented candles in the United States? Proper labeling isn't optional—it's the law. Whether you're importing candles, selling on Amazon, or supplying to major retailers, understanding candle labeling requirements protects your business from costly compliance failures.
This guide covers everything you need to know about candle warning labels, ASTM F2058 compliance, and CPSC regulations in straightforward, actionable terms.
Three main authorities set labeling standards for candles:
What they require:
What they enforce:
Why "voluntary" matters:
Bottom line: ASTM standards are effectively mandatory for market access.
Your primary label needs three critical elements:
1. Statement of Identity
Tell customers what the product is:
2. Net Weight
Show the wax weight (not including jar) in both:
Example: "Net Wt. 8 oz (227 g)"
Placement: Bottom 30% of the front label
3. Manufacturer Information
Include:
For imported candles: Must list US-based entity (importer/distributor)
ASTM F2058 is the recognized standard for candle fire safety labeling. Here's what you need:
Every warning label must include:
1. Safety Alert Symbol
2. Signal Word: "WARNING"
3. Three Core Safety Statements
You MUST include these warnings:
Statement #1: "Burn within sight"
Statement #2: "Keep away from things that catch fire"
Statement #3: "Keep away from children and pets"
Option A: Text-Only Label
text
⚠️ WARNING
Burn within sight.
Keep away from things that catch fire.
Keep away from children and pets.
Option B: Text + Pictograms
You can replace statements #2 and #3 with pictograms (images), but statement #1 must be text.
Where to get pictograms: National Candle Association website or ASTM International
Add these for customer safety:
Container Candles:
Pillar/Taper Candles:
Critical Rule: Warning must be visible before purchase and remain on product during use.
Minimum Type Sizes (for small labels ≤ 3 sq inches):
Color Contrast:
Font Selection:
If you sell candles in California, you may need Prop 65 warnings.
Many candle ingredients trigger warnings:
text
⚠️ WARNING: Combustion of this product may expose you to
chemicals including carbon black and soot, which are known
to the State of California to cause cancer.
For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
Option 1: Reformulate (eliminate Prop 65 chemicals)
Option 2: Add Warnings (most common approach)
Option 3: Prove Safe Levels (requires testing/analysis)
Market Impact: California is 12% of US market—too large to ignore for most businesses.
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Amazon enforces strict compliance:
Documentation You Need:
What Amazon Can Do:
Best Practice: Upload test reports proactively to your seller account.
While these platforms don't actively police like Amazon, you're still legally responsible for compliance.
Include in Your Listings:
Walmart, Target, HomeGoods all require:
Without these: Your products won't be accepted.
Wrong: Without a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), there will be no compliant label since it is scented. Fragrance SDS is not valid for the final product
Right: Have proper SDS from regulatory experts for the candles to author warning label
Wrong: Including jar weight in net weight
Right: Weigh jar empty, subtract from total = net wax weight
Wrong: "Use safely" or generic warnings
Right: Exact ASTM-approved statement language
Wrong: Tiny text that requires magnification
Right: Calculate minimum type sizes based on label area
Wrong: Regular adhesive labels that detach easily
Right: Heat-resistant, permanent adhesive labels
Wrong: Retailer stickers obscuring safety warnings
Right: Design packaging to keep labels visible
Wrong: Shipping to CA without required warnings
Right: Include Prop 65 warnings or reformulate
Wrong: Using European EN standard labels
Right: Create US-specific ASTM compliant labels
Common Issues:
Before Production:
Quality Control:
Regulatory Consequences:
Commercial Consequences:
Legal Consequences:
Financial Impact:
Comprehensive Label Review:
Label Design Services:
Testing Coordination:
Market Access Support:
Specialized Expertise:
International Manufacturer Focus:
Complete Service Package:
Transparent Approach:
Step 1: Audit Your Current Labels (Week 1)
Step 2: Get Professional Review (Week 1)
Step 3: Create Compliant Labels (Weeks 2-3)
Step 4: Production and Launch (Week 4+)
Don't let labeling mistakes delay your market entry or expose your business to liability.
Contact Japag Regulatory Solutions:
📧 Email: info@japag.in
🌐 Website: www.japagregulatorysolutions.com
✓ Gap identification and recommendations
✓ Custom solution proposal
✓ Transparent pricing and timeline
✓ No-obligation expert guidance
Q: Is ASTM F2058 legally required?
While technically "voluntary," major retailers require it, courts reference it in lawsuits, and insurance companies mandate it. It's effectively required for market access.
Q: Can I use pictograms instead of all text?
Statement #1 ("Burn within sight") must be text. Statements #2 and #3 can be replaced with approved pictograms.
Q: Do I need warnings on every candle in a multi-pack?
Outer packaging warnings are acceptable if individual candles are visible, but individual labeling is best practice.
Q: What's the difference between net weight and total weight?
Net weight = wax only (excluding jar). Total weight = everything. Use net wax weight on labels.
Q: Do I need Prop 65 warnings if I don't target California?
If you sell online or to national retailers, California compliance is essential. Even one CA sale creates liability.
Q: How long does compliance take?
With expert help: 3-4 weeks from initial review to market-ready labels.
Q: What if my labels are already printed wrong?
You'll need to relabel before distribution. Professional review before printing prevents this costly mistake.
Q: Can I sell without ASTM compliance?
Major retailers and Amazon will reject non-compliant products. You also face legal liability and insurance issues.
✅ Three authorities regulate candle labels: FTC (FPLA), CPSC, and ASTM International
✅ ASTM F2058 warnings are essential: Include triangle symbol, "WARNING," and three safety statements
✅ California Prop 65 matters: 12% of US market requires compliance
✅ E-commerce platforms enforce strictly: Amazon requires documentation upfront
✅ Professional help saves money: Avoid costly mistakes and delays
✅ International manufacturers need US-specific labels: European/Asian standards don't transfer directly
Start your compliance journey with confidence. Partner with Japag Regulatory Solutions and launch candles that meet all US requirements.
Contact us today for your free labeling compliance assessment.
This guide provides general information about scented candle labeling as of October 2025. Regulations evolve—consult qualified regulatory professionals for your specific situation.
Japag Regulatory Solutions - The Fragrance Industry's Global Compliance Partner
