Understanding Candle Safety Standards
Candle safety is a top priority for the National Candle Association (NCA). Since 1997, the NCA has worked with ASTM International and other stakeholders to develop safety standards that protect consumers and improve product quality.
Who Develops the Standards?
The National Candle Association (NCA) has led the development of candle safety standards since 1997, in collaboration with:
- ASTM International – A global standards organization
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
- Fire officials and safety experts
- Candle manufacturers and industry stakeholders
Together, they formed the ASTM Subcommittee on Candle Products, which has published six key standards.
Key ASTM Candle Safety Standards*
These documents are essential for manufacturers, retailers, and safety professionals.
Cautionary Labeling Standard ASTM F-2058 (2014)
Reference title: Standard Specification for Candle Fire Safety LabelingEffective
Since: 2000
Purpose: 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
Purpose: 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.
Fire-Safety Design Standard ASTM F-2417 (2017)
Reference title: Standard Specification for Fire Safety for Candles
Effective Since: 2004
Purpose: 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
Purpose: 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.