Note: All EN standards are copyrighted by CEN or the national standardization bodies that implement them as national standards, respectively. Copies of the standards can be purchased from the national standardization bodies.
CEN Standards
Quality and safety
ECMA and its members are committed to product quality and safety. As part of this commitment and to increase the level of safety for consumers, the candle industry initiated the development of the first CEN safety standards for indoor candles in the early 2000s already. Standards for scented candles were published in 2015 and standards for outdoor candles followed in 2021. The last piece to complete this ambitious initiative to increase consumer protection is a standard for candle accessories which will be published in 2023.
Indoor candles in general
EN 15426:2018 Candles – Specification for sooting behavior
First publication: 2007
This document specifies requirements and the test method for evaluating the sooting behaviour of burning indoor candles. It is applicable to single wick candles with a diameter up to 100 mm or equivalent cross sectional area intended to be burned indoors. It helps to ensure a reasonable degree of safety for normal use, thereby improving personal safety.
EN 15493:2019 Candles – Specification for fire safety
First publication: 2007
This document specifies requirements and test methods for the fire safety of candles intended to be burned indoors. It helps to ensure a reasonable degree of safety during use, thereby improving personal safety and reducing the risk of fires, deaths and injuries.
EN 15494:2019 Candles – Product safety labels
First publication: 2007
Most fire damage caused by candles can be attributed to improper use by the consumer. The fire risk can be minimized by suitable safety information for the consumer. This document specifies safety information for burning indoor candles and includes requirements on how safety information will be displayed.
Scented indoor candles
Note: All EN standards are copyrighted by CEN or the national standardization bodies that implement them as national standards, respectively. Copies of the standards can be purchased from the national standardization bodies.
EN 16738:2015 Emission safety of combustible air fresheners – Test methods
First publication: 2015
This document specifies a test method for the determination of emissions resulting from the use of combustible air fresheners into indoor air by means of chamber operation according to EN ISO 16000-9. It defines specific testing conditions for the measurement of the emissions from combustible air fresheners which minimize the effect of the testing on the combustion process.
EN 16739:2015 Emission safety of combustible air fresheners – Methodology for the assessment of test results and application of recommended emission limits
First publication: 2015
This document specifies the methodology for the assessment of test results from the emissions of a combustible air freshener, when tested according to EN 16738 and follows REACH Guidance and consumer habits and practices to produce a consumer exposure assessment. It provides reference to published emission limit or guidance values.
EN 16740:2015 Emission safety of combustible air fresheners – User safety information
First publication: 2015
This document defines appropriate user safety labelling related to the emissions from combustible air fresheners.
Outdoor candles
Note: All EN standards are copyrighted by CEN or the national standardization bodies that implement them as national standards, respectively. Copies of the standards can be purchased from the national standardization bodies.
EN 17616:2021 Outdoor candles – Specification for fire safety
First publication: 2021
This document specifies requirements and test methods for the fire safety of candles intended to be burned outdoors. It helps to ensure a reasonable degree of safety during use, thereby improving personal safety and reducing the risk of fires, deaths and injuries.
EN 17617:2021 Outdoor candles – Product safety labels
First publication: 2021
Most fire damage caused by candles can be attributed to improper use by the consumer. The fire risk of the candle due to inappropriate use can be minimized by suitable safety information for the consumer. This document specifies safety information for burning outdoor candles and includes requirements on how safety information will be displayed.
Candle accessories
Note: All EN standards are copyrighted by CEN or the national standardization bodies that implement them as national standards, respectively. Copies of the standards can be purchased from the national standardization bodies.
EN 17885:2023 Candle accessories – Specification for fire safety and product safety labels
First publication: 2023
This document specifies requirements and test methods for the fire safety of candle accessories, as well as safety information and requirements on how safety information will be displayed.
The safety requirements and test methods specified in this document are intended to cover the most common risks.
This document does not specify requirements or test methods for uncommon risks arising from the unforeseen combination of accessories and candles.