Candle Making CLP
Classification, Labelling & Packaging guide for candle making
CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging) Regulations are European Union regulation from 2008, which aligns the European Union system of classification, labelling and packaging of chemical substances and mixtures to the Globally Harmonised System. In order to sell your candles and craft products to the public, you must ensure that all of your products are CLP compliant. Your CLP label should be firmly affixed to one or more surfaces of your product’s packaging that immediately contains your substance or mixture. It is essential that your CLP is readable and legible horizontally when the package is set down normally.
Product identifier
This is your product name, fragrance or mixture and should clearly state what the item is. This can include the name, batch number and/or an SKU. Your product identifier should be placed at the top of your label so that it’s easy to identify your product.
Allergen information
Allergen information outlines any allergen ingredients which make up your products hazards. Regulations state that up to four chemicals should be included on the label unless it is necessary to include more due to the nature and severity of the hazard.
Signal word
A signal word indicates to your customer if a hazard is severe or less severe. The label should include the relevant signal word in accordance with the classification of the hazardous substance or mixture. In case your product displays a more severe hazard, the label should bear the signal word ‘danger’, and in case of less severe hazards, it should bear the signal word ‘warning’.
Hazard and precautionary statements
When it comes to hazard and precautionary statements, your label should include the relevant hazard statements describing the nature and severity of the hazards of your product. Your label should also include the relevant precautionary statements, advising on measures to prevent or minimize adverse effects to human health or the environment arising from the hazards of your product. These statements can be found on the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) available on request.
Hazard pictograms
Pictograms and hazard statements are only required for above 125ml/grams, below this, only one is required. A hazard pictogram is a pictorial presentation of hazards that your product may be subject to. You must display pictograms for any and all associated hazards. When creating a CLP, your hazard pictograms should be a pointed diamond square shape and should have a black symbol on a white background with a red border. It’s also worth noting that each hazard pictogram should cover at least one-fifteenth of the surface area of your label, but the minimum area shall not be less than 1 square centimetres. Pictograms should be no smaller than 2cm x 2cm for limited quantity.
Supplier address and phone number
For insurance and liability purposes you must provide your customer with your address and phone number. Customers, by law, have the right to know who it is they are entering into a contract with. The main pieces of law that relate to this are the Companies Act 2006 (whether or not you are a Limited Company) and for websites the “e-commerce Regulations”. This ensures that customers can easily contact you regarding the above or issues to do with your product. You still have to provide an address and phone number even if you don’t have a business one, this includes your business name, legal ownership name and a geographical address where legal documents can be sent. These requirements apply to receipts, invoices, orders and correspondence issued in the course of your business. Your details ensure that you and your business are easily traceable.
What % CLP label should I use?
When creating a CLP label you must use the correct percentage. You can overestimate your fragrance load but you cannot underestimate it.
If you are creating a candle or wax melt its best to use between 1-3% of essential oils or 6-10% fragrance oil, so you will need to use our 10% CLP label as this covers everything under 10% you don't need a 6% CLP as the 10% covers anything up to 10%.
Where should I place my CLP?
Your CLP should be visible, easy to read and in a horizontal position.
If you are unable to attach your CLP to your product due to its shape, you may attach it using a swing tag with the same rules applying.
Your CLP must be on your final product. If you are placing your product in a box etc your CLP must be on the product and not the box.