Candles, Wax Melts and Reed Diffusers Guidance

Northern Ireland authorities are carrying out a Market Surveillance project in relation to Candles, Wax Melts and Reed Diffusers. The aim of the project is to research what is being made locally, and provide a guidance document to help those manufacturers understand their associated obligations, to make sure their products are safe.

It is important to be aware of the product safety legal requirements set out in the General Product Safety Regulations 2005 (GPSR). These regulations apply to all consumer goods including candles, wax melts and reed diffusers.

Since 2015, CLP Regulations now include products such as Candles, Wax Melts and Reed Diffusers, with its main objective being to harmonise the labelling of products across the EU.

Hence, the law around candles is complex and technical however, it exists to ensure that among other things that:

• Consumer products are safe (including minimising fire risks in line with risk assessment);
• Consumers receive adequate warnings and instructions for use;
• Consumers are protected from harmful chemicals.

These duties apply to small scale home-based suppliers as well as larger businesses. Therefore, these guidance documents have been developed by a team of Environmental Health Officers across Northern Ireland, alongside partners in the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) to provide you with some basic information on the main product safety requirements for these types of products

• Candles, Wax Melts and Reed diffusers guidance
• UFI sheet
• Manufacturer’s presentation

Should you require any further information, please contact the Consumer Protection team on 02871 253253 or email: consumerprotection@derrystrabane.com