Candles and home fragrances: Regulatory landscape in the US and Canada

A dual framework rooted in product safety

In the United States, candle and home fragrance safety falls primarily under the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (16 CFR Parts 1500 and 1303). These texts prohibit hazardous components such as lead-cored wicks (limited to 0.06% lead in metal cores) and impose labelling rules for hazardous substances. The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and the Model Toxics in Packaging Legislation further regulate ingredient composition and packaging materials.

Although no single federal standard governs candles, manufacturers are strongly encouraged to comply with voluntary ASTM standards covering aspects such as:

• ASTM F-2058 – Cautionary labelling for candles;
• ASTM F-2179 – Heat strength of glass containers;
• ASTM F-2417 – Fire safety design;
• ASTM F-2601 – Candle accessories;
• ASTM E-2326 and NIOSH methods for emissions and VOC analysis.

These standards, while voluntary, are widely recognized by distributors and retailers as the benchmark for “reasonable safety.”

In Canada, candles are regulated under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA) and the Candles Regulations (SOR/2016-165), which notably ban trick candles that reignite automatically. In addition, the Concentration Limits for Volatile Organic Compounds in Certain Products Regulations (SOR/2021-268) restrict VOC levels, and the Consumer Chemicals and Containers Regulations (CCCR) impose labelling obligations for hazardous mixtures.

Just like in the US, Canadian authorities encourage compliance with ASTM standards for fire safety and performance, even if not legally mandated.

The Importance of Risk Assessment

Whether in the US or Canada, manufacturers must demonstrate that their products are safe under normal and reasonably foreseeable conditions of use. EcoMundo experts emphasize that a risk assessment, covering both fire safety and toxicological safety, is essential.

For toxicological safety, EcoMundo has developed a specific methodology inspired by European frameworks such as the Air Fresheners Fact Sheet and ECHA’s Guidance on Chemical Safety Assessment (R.8). This approach evaluates human exposure to candle emissions and ensures safe use throughout the product’s lifecycle.

Comparing labelling requirements: Aligned standards, with a bilingual twist

Overall, U.S. and Canadian labelling requirements are largely similar, reflecting a shared objective of ensuring clear consumer information and safe use. Both countries require the identification of the product, the net contents, the name and address of the responsible company, and detailed hazard and precautionary statements when applicable.

The key difference lies in Canada’s bilingual requirement: under the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act (CPLA), all mandatory information, including product name, usage instructions, and safety warnings, must appear in both English and French. The U.S., governed by the Fair Packaging and Labelling Act (FPLA), only requires labelling in English.

In both markets, including a fire-safety warning following the ASTM F-2058 standard is strongly recommended to inform consumers of good use practices.

Documentation and Good Practices

Although neither country requires formal registration prior to market entry, maintaining a technical documentation file demonstrating product safety is highly recommended. This includes:

• Results of burn and stability tests;
• Material safety data sheets (SDS);
• Toxicological assessment reports;
• Proof of compliance with applicable voluntary standards.

Following these best practices facilitates smooth distribution and builds confidence with retailers and authorities alike.