Amazon Regulatory Compliance: Candle and Candle Accessory Safety

As a global leader in e-commerce, Amazon’s stringent regulatory compliance program is essential to maintaining trust, avoiding product recalls, and safeguarding consumer well-being. Recently, many sellers of candles and candle accessories- such as holders, shades, and food warmers- have received notice that their products must comply with the following four standards, which are designed to ensure the safety of both the candles themselves, and the products used to contain or support them. 

• SOR/2016-165 (Candle Regulations in Canada) 

• ASTM F2417-17 (Standard Specification for Fire Safety for Candles) 

• ASTM F2058-07(2021) (Standard Specification for Candle Fire Safety Labeling), and  

• ASTM F2601-18 (Standard Specification for Fire Safety for Candle Accessories) 

Why Regulatory Compliance Matters for Candles and Accessories 

Candles are often used in homes for ambiance, fragrance, and light, but they are also a fire hazard if not used properly. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), candles are responsible for an average of 5910 home fires annually (2018-2022) in the United States, causing over $250 million in direct property damage each year. This underscores the importance of adhering to fire safety regulations and product safety standards, particularly for products sold through large platforms like Amazon. 

SOR/2016-165 – Canada’s Candle Regulations 

This Canadian regulation was introduced under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA), which aims to ensure that consumer products do not pose an unreasonable risk of injury or harm. Candles are not allowed to reignite spontaneously after being extinguished. As a result, ‘trick’ or ‘relighting’ candles are prohibited for sale, importation, manufacture, and advertisement in Canada.  

ASTM F2417-17 – Standard Specification for Fire Safety for Candles 

ASTM F2417-17 is an important fire safety standard developed by ASTM International that specifically addresses the safety requirements for candles. It sets forth the fire performance criteria for candles, including how they should burn and the conditions under which they should be considered safe for use. The primary focus of this standard is to reduce the fire risks associated with candles and ensure that they are stable during use. This standard tests for:  

• Flame Height 

• Container Integrity 

• Secondary Ignition 

• Flame Impingement 

• Candle Stability 

• Safety of candles in plastic containers 

• Safety requirements for coated candles 

• Wick migration and leaning 

For Amazon sellers, ensuring that your candles meet the standards outlined in ASTM F2417 is crucial to minimizing fire risk and complying with industry regulations.  

ASTM F2601-18 – Fire Safety for Candle Accessories 

ASTM F2601-18 prescribes safety requirements for candle accessories, which include any object designed, intended, or marketed for use with a candle. While candles themselves pose a fire risk, accessories also play an important role in ensuring safety. Accessories such as lanterns, potpourri burners, food warmers, candle holders, candle toppers, etc. must be constructed from noncombustible materials, cannot catch fire, or crack from heat. In addition, the standard outlines safety and performance requirements for tealight and taper candle holders.  

ASTM F2058-07- Candle Fire Safety Labeling 

ASTM F2058-07 focuses on fire safety labeling for candles, which is a critical aspect of ensuring consumer awareness about the risks and safe usage of candles. This standard sets forth the guidelines for labeling candles to provide clear, concise, and accurate safety information that consumers need to mitigate fire hazards. Key labeling elements include:  

• Safety alert symbols and pictograms;  

• Fire Safety Warnings: Candles must have clear warnings about the potential fire risks of candle use, such as “Burn within sight’ or ‘Keep away from children;’  

• Usage instructions, such as recommended burn time, candle placement, and wick trimming 

Candle sellers on Amazon must ensure their product labels accurately describe safety precautions that help prevent accidents and protect consumers from fire hazards.  

What Can Dell Tech Do For You?  

As an accredited ISO 17025 laboratory and certified Amazon Service Provider, Dell Tech can perform the necessary testing to ensure your candles meet the safety requirements outlined in ASTM F2417-17, issue a Checklist outlining product compliance with the requested regulations for your submission to Amazon, and review your labels to ensure compliance with ASTM F2508-07.  

By adhering to these regulatory requirements, Amazon sellers can avoid costly recalls, reduce liability risks, and ensure their products are safe for consumer use. Moreover, demonstrating a commitment to safety through compliance can enhance consumer trust and satisfaction, ultimately driving business success in the highly competitive online marketplace. 

DELL TECH HAS PROVIDED PROFESSIONAL, CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTING SERVICES TO THE SPECIALTY CHEMICAL INDUSTRY IN CANADA, THE USA, EUROPE AND ASIA FOR THE LAST 40 YEARS.