As a crafter, you've poured your heart and soul into creating a stunning line of candles. However, before you can share your creations with the world, your product labels must meet industry standards and comply with relevant regulations. Ignoring these guidelines could result in legal implications and hinder your ability to sell your products.

So how do you design candle labels that are not only pretty but in line with the rules?

First, include the basics in your primary (front) label

According to the U.S Fair Packaging and Labeling Act guidelines, your business name and address should be included somewhere in the primary label. Only the town and state are required, given if other contact information is added to the other parts of the label or packaging. These contact information could be your phone number, email or website address.

Weight information guidelines

Weight should be listed in both metric and standard measurements. The weight listed should include the wax and wick (total). The minimum required font height for displaying this weight information is determined by the size of the product's front-facing label area, as per the following guidelines:

•  For label areas between 5 and 25 square inches, the minimum font height is 1/8 inch.
•  For label areas 5 square inches or smaller, the minimum font height is 1/16 inch.
• For label areas between 25 and 100 square inches, the minimum font height is 3/16 inches.

Safety Label is Needed

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) highlights that every candle must come with a safety label which includes the manufacturer's instructions for burning the candle. The three rules of thumb on this are as follows:

1. Burn within sight
2. Keep away from children
3. Keep product away from other flammables and combustibles

Adhesive and material choices

Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene self-adhesive labels are recommended by the  National Candle Association. This is due to the material's capacity to handle heat and fluctuating temperatures. Your choice of adhesive and label material should be able to withstand temperatures of up to 1500 degrees Fahrenheit.

Optional but good practice

You may also add burn time, how the candle was made, wax type, and ingredients used. Although these are not mandatory requirements, it is a good transparency practice to add these to your label

The above guidelines apply to flammable candles such as wax melts, scented, unscented candles, tea lights and candle jars.