Candle Warning Label Requirements: What to Include

Candles need a fire-safety warning label to sell legally in the US – the recognized standard is ASTM F2058, which sets out the caution wording and the fire symbol that should appear on every candle you sell. This guide covers exactly what to put on a candle label, where the warning goes, and how to print it cleanly on your custom candle boxes. For the bigger picture on boxes and inserts, start with our candle packaging guide.

What does a candle label need?

A complete candle label has three jobs: warn the user how to burn it safely, identify what is inside, and carry your brand. The safety warning is the part most new makers miss, and it is the one buyers and retailers expect to see.

The ASTM F2058 fire-safety warning

ASTM F2058 is the US standard for candle fire-safety labeling. It calls for a signal word, a fire-safety symbol, and a short set of cautions. In plain terms, your warning should tell the buyer to:

• Burn the candle within sight and never leave it unattended.
• Keep it away from things that catch fire, and away from children and pets.
• Keep the wax pool clear of debris, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch before each burn, and burn on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
• Stop use when a set amount of wax remains (commonly 1/2 inch).

Pair the text with the standard fire-caution symbol so it reads clearly even at a glance.

Where to put the warning

The warning has to stay with the candle while it burns, so it belongs on the container itself – typically a durable label on the base of the jar or tin. The box can repeat the safety message and carry your full branding, but the on-vessel warning is what keeps you covered once the box is recycled. Keep the type legible and use a label stock and ink that resist heat and a little wax.

The other label elements

• Net weight of the wax, in ounces and grams.
• Fragrance and allergens – many makers list key fragrance allergens, especially for EU-facing sales.
• Burn time and care notes, which also help sell the candle.
• Brand, contact, and barcode for retail.

Printing labels and cautions on your candle boxes

Packaging Vista prints candle boxes, sleeves, and applied labels with your branding plus the safety cautions, in full color with a free dieline. We can place the warning on the box, supply a separate base label for the vessel, or both. See structure options in the candle packaging guide and finish choices in our box finishes guide; beauty products follow similar labeling logic in our cosmetic label requirements guide.

This is general information, not legal or compliance advice. Candle labeling rules (ASTM F2058, CPSC guidance, and state or export requirements) change – verify the current standards for the markets you sell in before you print.

Get candle boxes with your labels printed

Send us your vessel size and brand look and we will set up custom candle boxes with your branding and the right safety cautions. Request a free quote or contact our team to get started.