If you make scented candles, wax melts, or reed diffusers in the UK, you've probably seen those warning labels on fragrance oil bottles. But do you actually know what every element means — and more importantly, do you know that the label on your fragrance oil bottle is not the label that goes on your finished candle?
The Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 is the law that governs how hazardous mixtures must be labelled. In the UK, it's enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). And yes — it applies to candles.
This guide walks you through every element on a CLP label, using candle-specific examples throughout.
Why Do Candles Need CLP Labels?
A scented candle is a mixture under CLP law. The fragrance oil contains chemical compounds — some of which may be skin sensitisers, toxic to aquatic life, or carry other hazard classifications. When a consumer lights the candle, those compounds are released into the air. If someone touches the melted wax, they're exposed to the chemical mixture.
The law says: if you place a hazardous mixture on the market, you must label it. That means every scented candle, wax melt, or diffuser you sell needs its own CLP label — separate from the fragrance oil's label.
The 8 Elements Every CLP Label Must Include
1. Product Identifier
The name or number that uniquely identifies the product. For a candle, this is typically the product name plus a clear description: "Lavender & Vanilla Scented Candle — Soy Wax, 200g".
2. Supplier Identity
Your business name, UK address, and telephone number. This is mandatory — an email address alone is not sufficient under CLP. The consumer must be able to reach a real person at a physical address.
3. Hazard Pictograms
These are the red-bordered diamond symbols that indicate the type of hazard. For candles and home fragrance products, you'll typically see:
| Pictogram | Code | Why It Appears on Candles |
|---|---|---|
| ⚠️ Exclamation mark | GHS07 | Fragrance allergens at sensitising concentrations |
| 🌳 Dead tree & fish | GHS09 | Components toxic to aquatic environment |
| ⚠️ Health hazard | GHS08 | Specific target organ toxicity or sensitisation |
Most candle labels will feature at least the exclamation mark (GHS07). If your fragrance load is above certain thresholds, you may also need GHS09.
4. Signal Word
Either "Danger" (severe hazards) or "Warning" (less severe). Most candle products will carry "Warning" due to the presence of skin sensitisers in fragrance oils.
5. Hazard Statements (H-Statements)
Standardised phrases describing the nature of the hazard. Common ones for candles:
- EUH208: "Contains [allergen name]. May produce an allergic reaction."
- H410: "Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects."
- H317: "May cause an allergic skin reaction."
6. Precautionary Statements (P-Statements)
Standardised advice on how to handle the product safely. Examples:
- P102: "Keep out of reach of children."
- P261: "Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray."
- P302+P352: "IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of soap and water."
7. EUH208 — Allergen Name Disclosure
This is the one that catches most small makers out. If your candle contains a fragrance component classified as a skin/respiratory sensitiser at ≥0.1% (Cat. 1/1B) or ≥0.01% (Cat. 1A) — or one-tenth of any specific concentration limit — without the mixture reaching H317 classification (≥1.0% for Cat. 1/1B), you must name it explicitly with EUH208. This is a CLP classification rule; the rinse-off/leave-on thresholds belong to the cosmetics regime, not candles.
Common candle allergens include: Linalool, Limonene, Geraniol, Citronellol, Eugenol, Coumarin, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone.
8. Batch Number
Every batch of your product needs a traceable identifier. This allows you (or the enforcing authority) to trace a specific production run if there's a safety issue.
How You Calculate What Goes on the Label
It's not guesswork. The label is derived from a structured calculation:
- Start with the fragrance oil's Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — specifically Section 3, which lists each chemical component and its concentration.
- Multiply each component's concentration by your fragrance load percentage (e.g., if the oil is 8% of the candle, multiply all concentrations by 0.08).
- Compare the resulting concentrations against CLP cut-off values to determine classification.
- Generate the label elements based on the classification.
What About Fire Safety Labels?
Beyond CLP, candles must also comply with BS EN 15494:2008 — the fire safety standard. This requires a separate fire safety label with:
- The general warning symbol (exclamation mark in a triangle)
- Safety instructions: burn within sight, keep away from draughts, don't burn for more than 4 hours, etc.
This is in addition to the CLP label. Most compliant candle products carry both.
Quick Checklist: Is Your Label Compliant?
- Product name clearly identifies the candle
- Your business name, UK address, and phone number are present
- Correct hazard pictogram(s) in red-bordered diamonds, minimum 10×10mm
- Signal word: "Warning" or "Danger" as appropriate
- All relevant H-statements listed
- All relevant P-statements listed
- EUH208 names all allergens present above threshold
- Batch number for traceability
- BS EN 15494 fire safety label included
- Label is legible, indelible, and in English
Want a Second Pair of Eyes on Your Label?
Send us your current label or SDS and we'll review it free and tell you exactly what to fix — no obligation. Need a corrected, print-ready version? It's £39 per fragrance, human-checked in 48 hours, with GB + EU dual coverage.