When designing candle or fragrance packaging, creativity and branding often take center stage. But behind every beautiful candle jar or decorated perfume bottle lies an equally important consideration: compliance with industry regulations. Whether you’re launching a new product line or refreshing your packaging design, understanding these requirements helps you avoid costly setbacks and protects your brand’s reputation.
Why Packaging Regulations Matter
Packaging regulations exist to protect both consumers and businesses. For candles, they ensure safety and performance standards are met, minimizing the risk of fire hazards or misuse. For fragrances, regulations safeguard against misleading claims, ingredient mislabeling, and environmental concerns.
In a market where first impressions matter, non-compliant packaging can damage trust, delay product launches, or result in costly recalls. By building compliance into your design and production process from the start, you can maintain creative freedom while meeting all legal obligations.
Key Candle Packaging Requirements
- Labeling Standards
- Candle Safety Labels: In the U.S., ASTM F2058 outlines specific safety labeling requirements for candles. These include warnings about burn time, trimming wicks, and keeping candles away from flammable objects.
- Weight & Content Information: Net weight (in ounces and grams) must be clearly displayed.
- Material Restrictions
- Candle containers must be heat-resistant and able to withstand normal burning conditions. Glass candle jars, for example, should be tested for thermal shock resistance.
- Decorative coatings, such as matte finishes or metallic printing, should not interfere with container safety or performance.
- Country of Origin
- “Made in USA” claims must meet FTC guidelines, which apply if you promote American made candles or custom glass candle jars as a selling point.
Key Fragrance Packaging Requirements
- Ingredient & Allergen Labeling
- In the U.S., the FDA regulates cosmetic fragrances, requiring ingredient lists and the identification of certain allergens.
- In the EU, the Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 outlines a list of 26 allergens that must be declared if above a certain concentration.
- Net Contents & Language Requirements
- Product volume must be displayed in both metric and U.S. customary units.
- In multilingual markets, packaging may need translations for all mandatory information.
- Flammability & Transportation
- Alcohol-based perfumes may be classified as hazardous goods for shipping. Packaging design should account for the additional labeling (such as flammable symbols) required by transportation regulations.
Sustainability & Environmental Claims
If you highlight eco-friendly aspects of your packaging such as reusable glass jars, recyclable materials, or reduced carbon footprint, claims must be truthful and supported by evidence. For example, if you promote your candle jars as reusable, the design should allow for safe cleaning and repurposing without risk of injury.
Best Practices for Staying Compliant
- Partner with Experienced Decorators – Work with a company that understands both creative design and technical compliance, ensuring that coatings, screen printing, and finishes meet regulatory requirements.
- Build Compliance into the Design Stage – Factor in space for warning labels and legal text early so it integrates seamlessly with the aesthetic.
- Stay Informed – Regulations can change; monitor updates in your target markets and consult with compliance experts before production.
Balancing Creativity and Compliance
Regulatory requirements don’t have to limit design potential. In fact, some of the most striking candle and fragrance packaging solutions use creative layout and material choices to integrate compliance elements without detracting from the brand story. At JAFE Decorating, we help brands navigate these requirements while delivering packaging that’s as safe and compliant as it is beautiful.