IFRA Compliance for Candle Makers: Complete Guide (2025 Deadline)

Last updated: December 26, 2025

If you sell candles, wax melts, or reed diffusers, you need to understand IFRA compliance—not because it's legally required everywhere, but because it protects your business, your customers, and your ability to sell on major platforms.

This guide breaks down everything candle makers need to know about IFRA compliance in plain English. No jargon, no confusion—just practical guidance you can actually use.

Note: If you make soap, not candles, check out our IFRA Compliance Guide for Soap Makers instead.

What is IFRA and Why Should You Care?
The IFRA 51st Amendment: What Changed
Understanding IFRA Categories
Reed Diffusers: Where IFRA Actually Matters
How to Read an IFRA Certificate
Calculating Fragrance Load
The 10 Most Common IFRA Mistakes
What Retailers Actually Require
EU Requirements: GPSR and CLP Compliance
Is IFRA Legally Required?
Frequently Asked Questions

What is IFRA and Why Should You Care?

The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) is the global industry body that sets safety standards for fragrance ingredients. Founded in 1973 and based in Geneva, Switzerland, IFRA represents approximately 80% of the global fragrance industry by production volume and determines how much of each fragrance ingredient can safely be used in different product types.

Here's what trips up most candle makers: IFRA compliance is technically voluntary. IFRA standards only bind IFRA member companies (the big fragrance houses). As a small candle maker, you're not legally required to follow them in most jurisdictions.

So why should you care?

Business reality wins:

Major retailers (Amazon Handmade, Faire, boutiques) increasingly require IFRA documentation
Amazon's "Manage Your Compliance" portal may flag your listings and require ASTM F2417 test reports and IFRA certificates within 30 days
Product liability insurance underwriters (like Philadelphia Insurance, The Hartford, Hiscox) specifically ask if you follow IFRA standards—non-compliance can increase premiums by 25-50% or result in coverage denial
If a customer has an allergic reaction and you ignored IFRA guidelines, you're significantly more exposed in liability claims
Wholesale buyers on platforms like Faire expect IFRA certificates and $1-2M product liability insurance before approving new vendors

Think of IFRA like a seatbelt. Not wearing one doesn't mean you'll crash—but if you do, the consequences are much worse.

The IFRA 51st Amendment: What Changed

IFRA updates its standards regularly. The 51st Amendment, published June 30, 2023, is the current version with a critical compliance deadline:

Milestone	Date
New products must comply (restrictions)	March 30, 2024
Existing products must comply	October 30, 2025

What's new in the 51st Amendment:

47 new restriction standards + 1 specification standard (total: 48 new standards)
32 new restrictions based on dermal sensitization and systemic toxicity
11 restriction standards using QRA2 (Quantitative Risk Assessment 2.0)
1 new prohibition: 3-Acetyl-2,5-dimethylfuran (CAS 10599-70-9, banned due to potential genotoxicity)
Stricter limits on several common ingredients
Total standards now: 263

Important clarification: These deadlines apply to fragrance formulas leaving fragrance suppliers, not finished candles sitting on store shelves. But if your supplier reformulates, your candles may smell different after the deadline.

If you're using fragrance oils purchased before 2024, check with your supplier to confirm they're 51st Amendment compliant.

Looking ahead: IFRA has opened public consultation on the 52nd Amendment, which will remain open until June 12, 2026. This means further updates are coming.

Understanding IFRA Categories (This Is Where Most People Get Confused)

IFRA doesn't set one limit per ingredient. Instead, it creates 12 product categories based on how the product contacts skin. Different categories have vastly different limits.

Categories that matter for candle makers:

Category	Products	Typical Limits
Category 12	Candles, wax melts, incense	Usually 100% (no restriction)
Category 10A	Reed diffusers, liquid refills	5-25% (much stricter)
Category 10B	Room sprays	Varies by ingredient
Category 9	Soap, bath bombs	2-35% (check each oil)

Important history: Under IFRA 49th Amendment (May 2021), candles moved from Category 11 to Category 12, and reed diffusers were reclassified from Category 11 to Category 10A. This happened because IFRA began treating reed diffusers as potential skin-contact products (hands touching reeds, then face).

The "100% Limit" Myth

Here's the biggest misconception in candle making:

"My IFRA certificate shows 100% for Category 12. Does that mean I can use 100% fragrance oil?"

Absolutely not.

That 100% is a safety ceiling, not a recommendation. It means "this ingredient won't cause harm at any concentration in a candle."

Your actual limit is what the wax can hold: typically 6-10% fragrance load depending on wax type.

Wax Type	Typical Max Fragrance Load
Soy wax	6-10%
Paraffin	3-8% (6-12% with additives like Vybar)
Coconut wax	8-12%
Coconut-soy blends	8-10%
Beeswax	4-6%

Example to clarify: If your IFRA certificate shows 100% for a vanilla fragrance in Category 12, you're still limited to your wax's capacity (typically 6-10% for soy). The 100% means if your soy could somehow hold 50% fragrance, it would still be safe from an IFRA perspective—but physics won't let you get there. You'll have sweating, tunneling, and poor burn quality long before you reach any IFRA limit.

If you put 15% fragrance in soy wax, you won't have an IFRA problem—you'll have a sweating, tunneling, poorly-burning candle.

Bottom line: For candles (Category 12), IFRA limits rarely restrict you. The wax itself is your limiting factor.

Reed Diffusers: Where IFRA Actually Matters

If you make reed diffusers, pay close attention.

In May 2021, IFRA 49th Amendment reclassified reed diffusers from Category 11 to Category 10A with much stricter limits. IFRA now considers them potential skin-contact products because hands touch reeds, then touch face. Many fragrances that were fine at 15-20% are now limited to 5-10%.

Example restrictions for Category 10A:

Ingredient	Category 12 (Candles)	Category 10A (Reed Diffusers)
Many fragrances	100% (unrestricted)	5-25% (varies by ingredient)
Certain musks	100%	5-15%
Various allergens	100%	Significantly reduced

Real-world fragrance examples:

Black Raspberry Vanilla (Bramble Berry): Cat 12 = 100%, Cat 10A = 35%
Tobacco Bark (CandleScience): Cat 12 = 100%, Cat 10A = 14%
Mahogany Teakwood type: Cat 12 = 100%, Cat 10A = 8-15% (varies by supplier)

If you've been using the same reed diffuser formula for years, check your IFRA certificates again. You may need to reformulate.

Timeline reminder: Existing reed diffuser products had until May 10, 2022 to comply with the IFRA 49 reclassification. If you're still using pre-2022 formulations, verify compliance immediately.

How to Read an IFRA Certificate (Step-by-Step)

Every reputable fragrance supplier provides IFRA certificates. Here's how to actually use them:

Step 1: Find the Right Document

Your supplier should provide an IFRA certificate (sometimes called "IFRA Statement" or "IFRA Certificate of Conformity") for each fragrance oil. It's different from the SDS (Safety Data Sheet).

Can't find it? Most suppliers have a "Documents" or "Downloads" tab on each product page. If not, email them. If they can't provide one, consider a different supplier.

Important note: Candle makers do NOT create IFRA certificates for products they sell. IFRA certificates are created by fragrance oil suppliers, not by artisans who use those fragrances.

Step 2: Check the Version

Look for text like "IFRA 49th Amendment" or "IFRA 51st Amendment" on the document.

49th Amendment or newer: Good to use
48th Amendment or older: Outdated—request updated certificate

As of early 2025, certificates should reference the 51st Amendment at minimum.

Step 3: Find Your Category

For candles, look at Category 12. For reed diffusers, look at Category 10A. For soap, look at Category 9.

The certificate shows the maximum safe percentage for each category.

Step 4: Interpret the Number

Certificate Shows	What It Means
100% or "No Restriction"	Safe at any amount (wax capacity is your limit)
50%	Can be up to 50% of your finished product
15%	Can be up to 15% of your finished product
"Prohibited" or 0%	Cannot be used in this product type

Step 5: Do the Math (If Needed)

If your fragrance shows a limit below your typical fragrance load, calculate:

Example: Fragrance X shows 8% limit for Category 12. You normally use 10% fragrance load.

8% < 10% = You need to reduce your fragrance load for this specific oil

This is rare for candles but common for reed diffusers and soap.

Calculating Fragrance Load: The Simple Formula

Basic formula:

Wax weight × Fragrance percentage = Fragrance oil needed

Example:

Making a 10 oz candle
Using 8% fragrance load
10 oz × 0.08 = 0.8 oz fragrance oil

Checking against IFRA limits:

If your fragrance contains an ingredient limited to 25% and that ingredient makes up 10% of the fragrance formula:

25% IFRA limit ÷ 10% in formula = 250% maximum fragrance load

Since 250% is way above any realistic fragrance load, you're fine.

This math gets tedious when you're managing dozens of fragrances across multiple product types.

The 10 Most Common IFRA Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Mistake 1: Confusing Maximum with Recommended

IFRA shows the safety ceiling, not the target. Just because you can use 12% doesn't mean you should.

Mistake 2: Using the Wrong Category

Candles are Category 12 under IFRA 49+. Older certificates show Category 11. If your certificate only shows Category 11, it's outdated.

Reed diffusers moved to Category 10A in 2021. Don't use old Category 11 limits for diffusers.

Mistake 3: Thinking "100% = Use 100%"

We covered this above, but it's worth repeating: 100% is a threshold, not a recommendation.

Mistake 4: Assuming All Fragrances with the Same Name Are Identical

"Black Raspberry Vanilla" from Bramble Berry has different ingredients and IFRA limits than "Black Raspberry Vanilla" from Nature's Garden. Always check the certificate for your specific supplier.

Mistake 5: Thinking Essential Oils Are Exempt

Natural doesn't mean unregulated. Essential oils contain compounds like:

Eugenol (in clove, cinnamon)
Geraniol (in rose, citronella)
Limonene (in citrus oils)
Linalool (in lavender)

All of these have IFRA restrictions depending on product category.

Mistake 6: Not Requesting Certificates Before Buying

Discover IFRA limits before you purchase, especially for reed diffusers and soap. Some gorgeous fragrances have Category 10A limits of 3-5%—barely enough to scent a diffuser.

Mistake 7: Using Outdated Certificates

IFRA updates regularly. A certificate from 2019 may show limits that have since changed. Always request certificates dated with the 49th Amendment or newer (currently 51st Amendment).

Mistake 8: Forgetting to Keep Certificates on File

If a wholesale buyer, retailer, or insurance company asks for documentation, you need it accessible. Organize certificates by fragrance name and date.

Mistake 9: Ignoring International Differences

Selling to EU customers? You may also need CLP-compliant labeling, GPSR compliance, and an EU Responsible Person. IFRA and CLP/GPSR are separate requirements. (See section below.)

Mistake 10: Not Checking When Adding New Products

A fragrance safe for candles (Category 12) may be restricted for the lotion bars you want to add to your line (Category 5). Check every product type separately.

Tired of manual IFRA calculations and certificate tracking?

If you're managing 20 fragrances across candles and diffusers, you're tracking:

40 different IFRA category limits (20 fragrances × 2 categories)
20+ PDF certificates scattered across supplier websites
Manual calculations for every new recipe
Which fragrances need reformulation after IFRA updates

PetalMade automates all of this: ✓ Upload IFRA certificates once, reference forever ✓ Automatic alerts when recipes exceed safe levels ✓ Track which batches used which fragrance versions ✓ Get notified when suppliers reformulate for new amendments

Start your 14-day free trial (no credit card required)

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What Retailers Actually Require

Etsy

Etsy doesn't require IFRA certificates for listing. However:

You're responsible for legal compliance in every country you ship to
EU sales require GPSR compliance (manufacturer info, EU Responsible Person—see section below)
Proper labeling with weights and warnings is required
If a customer claims injury, you'll want documentation

Amazon / Amazon Handmade

More stringent requirements:

May request ASTM F2417-17 fire safety compliance (updated to ASTM F2417-23 in August 2023)
May require test reports from ISO 17025 certified labs
"Manage Your Compliance" portal may flag your listings—if flagged, you have 30 days to provide test reports or face listing suspension
IFRA certificates should be available if requested
ASTM F2058 cautionary labeling requirements apply

Example: If Amazon's compliance system flags your candles, you'll need to provide fire safety test reports from an accredited ISO 17025 lab showing compliance with ASTM F2417-23, which includes wick migration testing, multi-wick flame merging limits, and proper instruction labeling.

Faire (Wholesale)

Requires legitimate registered business
$1,000 minimum wholesale catalog
Professional buyers often ask for IFRA certificates and product liability insurance ($1-2M coverage typical)

Boutiques and Gift Shops

Common requests:

IFRA certificates available on request
Product liability insurance ($1-2M coverage typical)
Burn test documentation
Consistent batch quality records

Pro tip: Having IFRA certificates organized and ready makes you look professional. Buyers notice.

EU Requirements: GPSR and CLP Compliance

If you sell candles to the European Union, you must comply with additional regulations beyond IFRA:

GPSR (General Product Safety Regulation)

Effective: December 13, 2024

Key requirements:

EU Responsible Person required: If you're based outside the EU, you cannot sell to EU consumers without appointing an EU Responsible Person. The RP's name and contact details must appear on your product or packaging.
Risk assessments: You must conduct and document detailed risk evaluations covering fire safety, inhalation risks, and chemical hazards. Documentation must be kept for 10 years.
Technical documentation: Maintain detailed technical files for 10 years after placing products on the market, including formulations, safety assessments, and test reports.
Testing requirements: Adherence to EU standards including flammability tests (EN 15493:2019), sooting behavior (EN 15426:2018), and emission safety (EN 16739:2015, EN 16740:2015).
Traceability: Products must carry batch codes, production dates, and unique identifiers. Supply chain documentation must be maintained for 6 years.

Consequences of non-compliance: If you're a non-EU seller without a GPSR representative, your products may be delisted from marketplaces like Amazon, Shopify, or eBay. Non-compliance during customs checks or market surveillance leads to product removal and potential fines.

CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulation)

The CLP Regulation (EC 1272/2008) sets labeling requirements for hazardous substances. If your candles contain essential oils or fragrances with certain allergens, CLP labeling is required.

Key allergen labeling: If allergens like limonene, linalool, geraniol, or eugenol exceed certain thresholds, they must be listed on your label.

REACH Regulation

REACH (EC 1907/2006) restricts certain chemicals in products marketed in Europe. Because candles are a combination of a carrier article (wick) and a mixture (wax, fragrance, coloring), REACH applies.

Is IFRA Legally Required? (The Honest Answer)

Technically, no. IFRA is a voluntary industry standard.

Practically, yes. Here's why:

Product liability law: If a customer is harmed and you ignored industry safety standards, you're more exposed in court. IFRA serves as the de facto standard of care.
Insurance: Many product liability policies expect you to follow industry standards. Major insurers like Philadelphia Insurance Companies, The Hartford, and Hiscox specifically ask about IFRA compliance in underwriting questionnaires. Knowingly exceeding IFRA limits could void coverage or increase premiums by 25-50%.
Retailer gatekeeping: Major platforms (Amazon, Etsy, Faire) increasingly require or expect compliance documentation.
International sales: The EU regulates cosmetic products (including some scented products) more strictly. IFRA compliance helps demonstrate safety and is often referenced in EU regulations.
Supplier requirements: Most fragrance suppliers formulate to IFRA standards. If you buy compliant oils and use them at normal loads, you're already following IFRA without trying.

Important nuance: While IFRA Standards are voluntary, they do not exempt companies from adhering to applicable national or local regulations. You must follow the law. Similar to following industry-standard burn testing for candles, if you sell a product that causes harm and you're found to have ignored IFRA standards, you can be liable for damages.

The real question isn't "Is it required?" but "What happens if something goes wrong and I wasn't following industry safety standards?"

Quick Reference: IFRA Categories for Candle Makers

Product	IFRA Category	Typical Limits
Container candles	12	Usually 100%
Pillar candles	12	Usually 100%
Wax melts	12	Usually 100%
Reed diffusers	10A	5-25% (check each oil)
Room sprays	10B	Varies
Bar soap	9	2-35% (check each oil)
Bath bombs	9	2-35%
Lotion	5A/5B/5C	Complex—check carefully
Lip balm	1	Very strict

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I legally have to follow IFRA standards for candles?

No, IFRA standards are technically voluntary. However, following them protects you from product liability claims, satisfies wholesale buyer requirements, and may be required by your product liability insurance. Think of IFRA as industry best practice and the standard of care.

What is the IFRA 51st Amendment deadline?

October 30, 2025 is the deadline for existing products to comply with the 51st Amendment. This applies to fragrance formulas leaving suppliers, not finished candles on shelves. If you buy fragrances from reputable suppliers, they'll handle reformulation.

Can I use 100% fragrance in my candles if IFRA says 100%?

Absolutely not. A 100% IFRA limit means the ingredient is safe at any level—but your wax can only hold 6-10% fragrance depending on wax type (3-8% for paraffin without additives, 8-12% for coconut wax). The 100% is a safety ceiling, not a recommendation.

Do essential oils need IFRA certificates?

Yes. Natural doesn't mean unregulated. Essential oils contain compounds like eugenol, limonene, and linalool that have IFRA restrictions. Always request IFRA certificates for essential oils just like fragrance oils.

What IFRA category are candles?

Candles, wax melts, and incense are Category 12 (changed from Category 11 in IFRA 49th Amendment, May 2021). Reed diffusers are Category 10A (much stricter). Soap is Category 9. Always check the correct category for each product type.

Where can I get IFRA certificates for my fragrances?

Reputable fragrance suppliers provide IFRA certificates for every fragrance oil they sell. Look for a "Documents" or "Downloads" section on the product page. If they can't provide one, consider a different supplier.

Do I need different IFRA certificates for candles vs. reed diffusers?

You need the same IFRA certificate, but you'll reference different categories. Look at Category 12 for candles (usually unrestricted) and Category 10A for reed diffusers (often 5-25% limits).

How often do IFRA standards update?

IFRA typically releases a new amendment annually. The 51st Amendment (June 2023) is current as of 2025. The 52nd Amendment is under consultation (open until June 12, 2026). Always use certificates dated with the 49th Amendment or newer.

What happens if I exceed IFRA limits?

For candles (Category 12), IFRA limits are rarely restrictive—your wax capacity is the real limit. For reed diffusers (Category 10A) and soap (Category 9), exceeding limits could cause skin sensitization, allergic reactions, and potential liability issues.

Do I need GPSR compliance to sell candles on Etsy?

If you sell to EU customers (even on Etsy), you must comply with GPSR as of December 13, 2024. This includes appointing an EU Responsible Person, conducting risk assessments, and maintaining technical documentation for 10 years.

Is PetalMade compliant with IFRA standards?

PetalMade is software that helps you track and manage IFRA compliance for your products. It stores IFRA limits, alerts you when recipes exceed safe levels, and keeps certificates organized across all your product categories.

Key Takeaways

IFRA is voluntary but practically essential for professional candle businesses.
October 30, 2025 is the deadline for existing products to comply with the 51st Amendment.
Category 12 (candles) is lenient—your wax capacity is usually the limiting factor, not IFRA.
Category 10A (reed diffusers) is strict—always check before formulating. Reed diffusers were reclassified in May 2021.
Same fragrance name ≠ same formula. Always check the IFRA certificate for your specific supplier.
Essential oils aren't exempt. They contain restricted compounds too.
Keep certificates organized. Retailers, insurance, and wholesale buyers may ask.
100% doesn't mean "use 100%." It means "safe at any level"—your wax determines the actual limit.
EU sales require GPSR compliance as of December 2024, including an EU Responsible Person.

Stop Tracking IFRA Limits in Spreadsheets

Managing multiple fragrances across candles, diffusers, and soap means juggling different IFRA categories, limits, and certificates for every product. One mistake could mean reformulating an entire batch—or worse, a customer complaint.

With the October 30, 2025 deadline approaching, now is the time to verify all your formulations are compliant.

PetalMade automates your IFRA compliance:

Store IFRA limits for every fragrance you use
Get instant alerts when a recipe exceeds safe levels for any category
Track compliance across all product types (candles, diffusers, soap, lotion)
Keep certificates organized and ready for wholesale buyers
Calculate safe fragrance loads automatically
Get notified when suppliers reformulate for new IFRA amendments

Stop second-guessing your formulas. Start your free trial and manage IFRA compliance with confidence.

→ Start Your 14-Day Free Trial (No credit card required)

Join 1,200+ candle makers who've eliminated IFRA compliance guesswork.

Resources & Sources

Official Sources:

IFRA Standards Library - Searchable database of all standards
IFRA 51st Amendment Notification
RIFM Database - Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (research behind IFRA standards)
National Candle Association - U.S. industry resources

ASTM Standards for Candles:

ASTM F2417-23 - Fire safety specification (updated August 2023)
ASTM F2058 - Recommended cautionary labeling
ASTM F2179 - Glass container safety

EU Regulations:

General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) - Regulation (EU) 2023/988
CLP Regulation - Regulation (EC) 1272/2008
REACH Regulation - Regulation (EC) 1907/2006

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult with a qualified professional for specific compliance questions.

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