Candle Labelling in Great Britain: Key Compliance Considerations

When considering candle regulatory compliance, labelling is often overlooked. Many businesses assume that an attractive design, appealing scent and a recognisable brand are enough. However, product labelling plays an important role in both consumer safety and regulatory compliance in Great Britain.

Whether you're manufacturing candles, importing them from overseas, or selling them under a private label, it's important to ensure that your labels contain the required information and that your products comply with all relevant legal requirements. Ensuring labels are accurate and compliant can help protect consumers, support regulatory compliance, and reduce the risk of enforcement action.

Understanding CLP Requirements

The Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation is one of the key regulatory requirements that candles may need to comply with within the Great Britain. While many people don’t immediately think of candles as chemical products, scented candles often contain fragrance mixtures and essential oils that may trigger classification under CLP legislation.

If a candle is classified as hazardous, GB CLP labelling requirements apply. Depending on the classification, the label may include:

• Hazard pictograms

• Signal words such as "Warning"

• Hazard statements

• Precautionary statements

• Product identification details

• Supplier information (company name, address and telephone number)

• Nominal quantity, unless stated elsewhere on the packaging

• Supplemental information, where applicable

Importantly, the information on a CLP label should be determined by the classification of the finished product. 

Safety Warnings

Beyond CLP, candle labels should also provide appropriate safety information for consumers. Relevant, clear fire safety warnings play an important role in reducing risks and encouraging safe use. BS EN 15494 is the designated standard covering product safety labels for indoor candles

Depending on the candle, safety information can include:

• Never leave a burning candle unattended

• Keep out of reach of children and pets

• Keep away from flammable materials

• Burn on a stable, heat-resistant surface

• Trim the wick before lighting

Recognised candle safety symbols can also be used to communicate safety information clearly.

Traceability is just as important

Another area that is often overlooked is product traceability. Manufacturers, own-branders and importers are considered producers under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005 (GPSR).

Producers must allow for traceability by indicating on the product or packaging, where reasonable, their name and address and a product reference or, where applicable, batch information. Accurate traceability information can make investigations, corrective actions or product recalls far more manageable.

Common Label Compliance Pitfalls

Common problems can include:

• Failing to assess whether GB CLP applies

• Incorrect classification of the finished candle

• Poorly positioned or difficult-to-read safety information

• Missing or incomplete hazard information where CLP classification applies

• Incomplete supplier or traceability information

• Inadequate or inappropriate candle safety warnings

While these may seem like minor oversights, they can quickly become costly compliance problems.

Final thoughts

Compliant candle labelling isn't just about creating an attractive product label. It's about providing consumers with the information they need to use a product safely, while helping businesses meet their regulatory obligations. Taking the time to get labels right from the outset can help brands avoid compliance problems later and demonstrates a genuine commitment to product safety.