Understanding Safety Standards

ASTM Industry Standards

As part of its commitment to product quality, safety and corporate responsibility, the National Candle Association has played a leading role in the development of industry standards for candles and candle products.

The current national industry standards for candles have been developed, balloted and published through the ASTM International standards organization. Although ASTM candle standards are applicable to the United States, they are often referenced or drawn upon internationally by candle organizations and regulatory authorities in other nations.

NCA’s role in the development of candle standards dates back to 1997. In response to increased reports of candle fires, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) asked the NCA to spearhead an ASTM subcommittee to develop consensus standards for improving candle fire safety.

The result was the ASTM Subcommittee on Candle Products, which includes members of the NCA, the CPSC, fire officials, safety organizations and other interested parties.

To date, six ASTM candle standards have been published, two of which are reference standards.

Key ASTM Standards for Candles*

Cautionary Labeling Standard ASTM F-2058 (2014)
Reference title: Standard Specification for Candle Fire Safety Labeling
Effective Since: 2000
This standard sets forth specifications for the warning label that cautions consumers to always burn a candle within sight; to keep candles away from things that can catch fire; and to keep candles out of the reach of children. Learn more about candle labeling.

Heat Strength of Glass Containers Standard ASTM F-2179 (2014)
Reference title: Standard Specification for Annealed Soda-Lime-Silicate Glass Containers that are Produced for Use as Candle Containers
Effective Since: 2002
This standard establishes scratch test and temper specifications for the proper annealing of glass containers used for candles, as well as thermal shock differential requirements.

Candle Glass Standard Introduction (pdf)

Standardization News – Light a Candle for Safety (pdf)

Fire-Safety Design Standard ASTM F-2417 (2017)
Reference title: Standard Specification for Fire Safety for Candles
Effective Since: 2004
This standard establishes maximum flame height, tip-over limits, secondary-ignition proscriptions, and end-of-useful life specifications.

Candle Accessories Standard  ASTM F-2601 (2018)
Reference title:  Standard Specification for the Fire Safety for Candle Accessories
Effective Since: 2007
This standard sets forth specifications for the fire-safety manufacture, labeling and testing of candle accessories (e.g., candle rings, candle burners, candle holders).

* The descriptions of these standards are designed solely to provide a generalized summary of their subject matter, and do not provide the actual specifications. All ASTM standards are copyrighted by ASTM International. Copies of the actual standards can be purchased and downloaded from ASTM.