Warning Labels and CLP

CLP stands for Classification, Labelling & Packaging. CLP Regulations govern that since 1st June 2015 all new products with hazardous substances must be labelled accordingly in the EU including the UK. CLP applies to a non-cosmetic product of any size containing a hazardous substance such as fragrance or essential oils (e.g. candles, wax melts, room mists, reed diffusers etc.).

The regulations stipulate that certain information must be included on all CLP labels along with the requirements of the size and shape of that information. This includes:

Product identifiers
Hazard pictograms
Hazard statements
Allergen information
Signal words
Precautionary statements
Supplier information (your business address and contact number)

What is contained on a CLP label depends on the fragrance oil used in your wax melt or candle. They are all completely individual to each scent from each supplier and some do not require any Hazard statements or Pictograms. This is because some fragrance oils do not contain any ingredients that are allergens or another sort of hazard. This means that you cannot use the same CLP label for all your different wax melts or candles if they contain different fragrance oils.

The current guidance relevant to the UK is the ECHA Guidance on labelling and packaging in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008. This is soon to be replaced by the UK’s new guidance post Brexit but it is likely to be almost identical in nature.

CLP labels must be directly affixed to the packaging of your wax melt or candle. An effective way of doing this is to use wax melt or candle CLP stickers.

In addition to the above CLP labels for candles must contain extra information on the safe use of the products such as “Never leave a lit candle unattended”. This can be via pictograms or text.

Why is it so important?

Failing to properly label your products could result in you breaking the law, rendering your insurance invalid and causing your customers to not have faith in your business.

Many ingredients in the fragrance oils are known to be eye or skin irritants and environmentally hazardous substances. If you fail to notify your customers of this and something goes wrong and/or someone is injured then you may be held liable for that.