We recently hosted a Facebook Live session that looked into the crucial topic of product safety, especially focusing on CLP (Classification, Labeling, and Packaging) regulations and other regulatory requirements. Whether you're a hobbyist or running a small business, understanding these regulations is key to ensuring consumer safety and compliance.
We have uploaded the whole livestream to this blog so if you missed it live, you can watch here!
If you don't have time to watch the whole thing right now, we've summarized the key points covered below.
Candle Shack Product safety livestream
Transitioning from Hobby to Business
When you decide to turn your passion for making candles, diffusers, or soaps into a business, there’s a significant shift in mindset required. Accountability and responsibility become paramount, regardless of the scale of your operations. Even if you’re selling just a few products a week, the legal responsibilities remain the same.
Consumer Safety and Legal Responsibilities
Consumer safety is at the heart of all product regulations. As a business owner, you have a duty of care to ensure that the products you sell are safe for use. This is true whether you’re selling children’s toys or home fragrance products. Ensuring safety protects not just your customers, but also your loved ones who might be using these products.
Fire Safety Standards
One of the key areas we discussed was fire safety, particularly for candles. The EN 15493 standard outlines the fire safety testing required. This includes:
Tilt Test: Ensuring the product is stable on uneven surfaces.
Aftersmoke: Measuring the duration of smoke after extinguishing the candle.
Flame Height: Keeping the flame height within safe limits.
Secondary Ignition: Preventing surface flare-ups.
Vessel Integrity: Ensuring the container remains intact throughout the burning process.
Safety Labels for Candles
Proper labeling is crucial. The EN 15494 standard requires specific pictograms and safety statements on all candle products. These labels inform consumers about potential hazards and safe usage practices. For instance, labels must include warnings like "Do not leave a burning candle unattended" and "Keep out of reach of children and pets."
Thermal Shock Testing
For those using glass containers, thermal shock testing ensures that the glass can withstand temperature changes without breaking. This is particularly important for drinkware used as candle jars. Reputable manufacturers perform this testing to ensure the safety and reliability of their glassware.
Chemical Safety
Compliance with CLP and REACH regulations is vital for preventing chemical hazards. Proper labeling and packaging of products like reed diffusers can prevent accidents, such as ingestion by children. Ensuring your products have the correct hazard labels is not just a legal requirement but a fundamental aspect of consumer safety.
General Safety and Emissions
Sooting behavior and emissions are other critical factors. Ensuring your candles burn cleanly without excessive soot protects both your customers and their homes. We offer soot testing services to help you comply with these standards, but even small producers can take steps to minimize soot production.
Environmental Regulations
Environmental considerations are becoming increasingly important. The upcoming EU Green Deal and packaging waste regulations will impact how products are packaged and disposed of. Staying informed about these changes will help you adapt and maintain compliance.
Practical Tools and Documentation
To assist you, we are looking at providing templates and tools for testing and compliance. Keeping thorough documentation of your testing processes and results is essential for demonstrating due diligence and compliance with safety standards.
In Conclusion
Ensuring product safety and regulatory compliance might seem daunting, but it’s manageable with the right knowledge and tools. By following established standards and keeping informed about regulatory changes, you can confidently create and sell products that are safe for everyone to enjoy.
Thank you for joining our Facebook Live session! We hope this summary helps you navigate the essential regulations and continue making wonderful, safe products. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out or join our next live session.
Stay safe and happy crafting!
