How Do You Label Candles For Sale?

Proper labeling is crucial for selling candles commercially in the United States. Candle labels provide customers with essential information about the product, including details about materials, safety warnings, quantity, and the company that manufactured it. There are certain labeling requirements mandated by federal and state laws that candle makers must follow.

At the federal level, the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA) requires several key details on consumer commodity packaging like candles. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is the agency that enforces these rules. Some states like California also have additional candle labeling regulations.

Following labeling guidelines is important not just for legal compliance, but also for effectively marketing and selling candles. Clear, attractive labels build brand identity and help inform customers so they can make a purchase with confidence.

Candle Labeling Laws

While the FDA does not regulate candles, the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act requires candle manufacturers to include certain information on their labels. This act applies to consumer commodities distributed in commerce, which includes candles (1).

The Fair Packaging and Labeling Act states that labels must include the identity of the commodity; the name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor; and the net quantity of contents (2). This means candle labels need to clearly state what the product is, who makes it, and how much is in the container.

Though not mandated, most candle makers follow guidelines provided by the National Candle Association. These recommend including usage instructions, warning statements if applicable, and label compliance info such as “Meets FP&L Act Requirements.” Following these standards helps ensure proper consumer information and safety (3).

Overall, candle labeling aims to provide transparency to buyers without imposing excessive burdens on crafters and small businesses.

Sources:
(1) https://ctmlabelingsystems.com/labeling/candle-label-requirements-guidelines-and-best-practices/
(2) https://mammothpackaging.com/u-s-candle-label-requirements-guide/
(3) https://www.packleaderusa.com/blog/what-needs-to-be-included-on-your-candle-label

Product Identification

Properly identifying your candle products is an important part of labeling. This includes specifying the name, size, scent, and other details to distinguish your product. According to the Candle Label Requirements, Guidelines, and Best Practices guide, the statement of identity is a generic name for the product, such as “candle,” “scented candle,” or “wax melt.”

Some recommendations for product identification include:

• List the type of candle, such as “Scented Soy Candle” or “Beeswax Pillar Candle.”
• Specify the shape, such as “Votive” or “Container Candle.”
• Include size dimensions like “4 oz” or “3-inch diameter.”
• Note the scent or fragrance like “Lavender Vanilla” or “Citrus Breeze.”
• Add any relevant descriptions related to design, color, ingredients, etc.

Proper identification sets customer expectations and allows buyers to distinguish between products. Refer to Candle Label Requirements, Guidelines, and Best Practices for more tips on product labeling.

Weight and Measurements

According to the FDA, candle labels in the USA must include the net weight of the candle’s contents in both ounces and grams. This should be the wax weight, not including the container or packaging (U.S. Candle Label Requirements Guide).

For example, if your candle weighs 14 ounces of wax, the label should state: “Net Wt. 14 oz (396 g)”. Rounding to the nearest ounce and gram is acceptable. It’s also recommended to include the candle’s dimensions (height and diameter) in inches and centimeters (What are the labeling guidelines for candles?).

Providing the weight and measurements in both standard and metric units ensures compliance with FDA regulations and gives customers the necessary information they need when purchasing candles.

Ingredients

One of the most important elements to include on a candle label is a list of all ingredients. According to the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act, candle labels in the United States must list all ingredients in order from most predominant to least predominant by weight.

The ingredient list should include any dyes, fragrances, wicks, oils, and wax blends used in the candle. Listing the ingredients helps inform consumers, especially those with allergies, about what is contained in the product before purchasing. Having a comprehensive ingredient list can also lend credibility and demonstrate transparency about what goes into making the candle.

For candles with multiple scent notes, it is best practice to break down the fragrance ingredients for each scent rather than just listing “fragrance.” This provides consumers with more specifics about potential allergens or irritants in the candle.

The ingredient list should be prominently displayed and easy to read on the label. Formatting such as bold text, larger font size, or a contrasting text box can help draw attention to this important information for buyers.

Warnings

Candle labels must include certain warning statements to inform consumers about flammability and other hazards. According to the National Candle Association, all candle labels should state “Keep candle away from things that can catch fire” and “Never leave a burning candle unattended” (Understanding the Label).

The FDA requires candle labels to advise consumers to trim wicks before every use and to stop use when 1/2 inch of wax remains. Specific flammability warnings are also mandated, such as “Flame may be nearly invisible” for gel candles (Candle Label Requirements, Guidelines, and Best Practices).

Warning symbols, such as a flame icon, should accompany any warning text. The warnings should be conspicuous and easy to understand. Placing them in a box or outline can help draw attention.

Manufacturer Info

All candle labels must include the name and address of the manufacturer or distributor. This allows customers and regulatory agencies to contact the company if needed. According to Candle Label Requirements, Guidelines, and Best Practices, “The company name and contact information requirement applies to either the distributor or the manufacturer. This must include “manufactured for” if the company listed is not the actual manufacturer.” At minimum, the company name, mailing address, phone number, email address, and website should be included.

Providing complete and accurate manufacturer information builds trust with customers and shows you stand behind your product. Listing a real physical address also reassures customers you are a legitimate business. Make sure to keep your contact information up-to-date on the label.

Care Instructions

Proper care can help extend the life and burn time of your candle. Here are some tips:

• Trim wicks to 1⁄4 inch before lighting to prevent smoking and uneven burning.
• Allow the wax pool to melt all the way to the edges before extinguishing the flame. This helps prevent tunneling.
• Always burn candles in a well-ventilated room and place on a stable, heat-resistant surface away from drafts.
• Never leave a burning candle unattended. Extinguish the flame if it reaches the sides or bottom of the container.
• Allow the wax to completely solidify before relighting the candle. Wait at least 2 hours.
• Keep wicks centered as the candle burns down. Wicks can be centered by melting the wax, then gently pushing the wick back to the center with a toothpick.
• Store in a cool, dry location with the lid secured. Avoid direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.

Following these care tips will help your candle burn evenly from edge to edge, maximize burn times, and prevent safety hazards.

Other Relevant Info

Include any other relevant information that consumers may find helpful on your candle labels, such as country of origin, recycling instructions, use guidelines, or company contact info. While not always required by law, providing additional details shows care for your customers.

For example, specifying “Made in the USA” or the country your candles are produced in allows buyers to make informed purchasing decisions. You can also add instructions to recycle glass containers, reuse tins, or properly dispose of wax. Citing safety precautions like keeping away from children, not burning unattended, or avoiding drafts further protects consumers.

Additionally, print your company’s phone number, email, or website so customers can conveniently find you. A social media handle also connects your brand. Ultimately, the more helpful information on your candle labels, the better the customer experience and perception of your brand. Just be sure to keep your designs cleanly organized.

Label Design Tips

When designing your candle labels, there are some best practices to keep in mind for an appealing and compliant label:

Choose a clean, easy-to-read font like Arial or Times New Roman in a size that is legible, usually 10-14 point font. Avoid ornate script fonts that could make the label hard to read.

Make sure any mandatory information is highly visible. Place the company name, product identification, weight/volume, and any warning labels prominently on the main panel where consumers will easily notice them.

Consider placing non-essential info like fragrance descriptions, branding, etc. on side panels or on the bottom half of the label so as not to distract from required info.

Use bold headers or font treatments like all-caps to make important info stand out. But don’t rely solely on formatting for emphasis – make sure to place critical info in main focal areas.

Align your text and design elements thoughtfully so the layout looks polished. Centering text often works well for candle labels.

Choose colors that complement your brand identity and allow all text to remain clearly legible.

Consider unique label shapes to help your product stand out, but ensure measurements are accurate.

Print your designs on high-quality, waterproof label material so the labels adhere properly and resist fading or peeling over time.

Preview your design on actual product samples before finalizing to ensure it fits appropriately and looks proportional.