Candle Requirements in Germany: Compliance for Importers

Germany is the largest candle market in Europe by volume, with annual consumption estimated at roughly 220,000 tonnes of finished candles and a retail value above EUR 1.1 billion. For B2B buyers sourcing from China, the opportunity is significant, but German retailers, marketplaces, and customs authorities enforce a strict and well-documented set of product requirements. Candles that arrive without the correct labeling, safety warnings, or documentation can be held at the border, refused by retail chains, or recalled under the EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) 2023/988.

This guide walks through the requirements that matter most for importers.

1. Product Safety: DIN EN 15493 and DIN EN 15494

The two reference standards for candles sold in the EU, and especially Germany, are:

• DIN EN 15493 - Specification for fire safety. It defines requirements for flame stability, secondary ignition, soot behavior, and the maximum flame height (generally below 60 mm for container candles).
• DIN EN 15494 - Product safety labels. It defines the safety symbols and warnings that must appear on the candle or its packaging.

Although these are technically voluntary harmonized standards, in practice German retailers such as DM, Rossmann, Aldi, Lidl, and depot require conformity. The BAuA (Bundesanstalt fur Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin) regularly monitors candle safety through its market surveillance program, and non-compliant products are reported through the EU Safety Gate (formerly RAPEX) system.

For importers, the practical step is to request a test report from an accredited lab such as TUV, SGS, or Intertek confirming DIN EN 15493 compliance. Typical testing costs range from EUR 400 to EUR 900 per SKU, depending on candle format.

2. CLP Labeling for Scented Candles

Scented candles are mixtures under Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP). If the fragrance oil contains substances classified as hazardous, the finished candle must carry:

• The appropriate hazard pictograms, most commonly GHS07 (exclamation mark) and, for some aquatic-toxic ingredients, GHS09 (environment).
• Signal words such as “Achtung” (Warning) or “Gefahr” (Danger).
• H-statements (hazard statements) and P-statements (precautionary statements) in German.
• The nominal content and the UFI code where notification to the German Poison Information Centre is required.

Under Article 45 of CLP and Annex VIII, mixtures classified as hazardous must be notified to the BfR (Bundesinstitut fur Risikobewertung) via the ECHA Poison Centres Notification portal before being placed on the market. Most scented candles fall into the “consumer use” category, and notification is mandatory.

3. GPSR and the EU Responsible Person

Since 13 December 2024, the General Product Safety Regulation (EU) 2023/988 has replaced the old GPSD. Every candle sold in Germany must have:

• A clearly identified manufacturer and an EU-based Responsible Person (for non-EU manufacturers).
• A type, batch, or serial number for traceability.
• Safety information in German.
• A documented risk analysis and technical file.

Online marketplaces such as Amazon.de now require the Responsible Person’s name and address to be displayed on the listing. Failing to provide one is the single most common reason for candle listings being removed in Germany.

4. Packaging and the LUCID Register

Germany’s Verpackungsgesetz (Packaging Act, VerpackG) requires every company that places packaging on the German market to:

1. Register with the Zentrale Stelle Verpackungsregister (LUCID).
2. Contract with a dual system operator such as Der Grune Punkt, Interseroh, or Reclay.
3. Report packaging volumes annually.

Registration is free, but dual-system fees typically run EUR 80 to EUR 300 per year for small importers. Selling on Amazon.de or shipping B2C without a LUCID number can lead to fines of up to EUR 200,000 and sales bans.

5. Customs, HS Codes, and Duties

Most candles enter Germany under HS code 3406.00.00 (candles, tapers, and the like). The standard EU import duty is 0 percent, but VAT of 19 percent applies on the CIF value plus duty. Customs clearance also requires:

• A valid EORI number.
• A commercial invoice and packing list.
• A bill of lading or airway bill.
• REACH and CLP documentation if requested.

For scented products containing alcohol or specific essential oils, additional checks may apply, so it is wise to confirm classification with a customs broker before the first shipment.

6. Documentation to Request from Your Factory

A reliable Chinese factory such as Aromiso should be able to provide, per SKU:

• DIN EN 15493 test report.
• CLP-compliant safety data sheet (SDS) for the fragrance oil.
• IFRA certificate confirming the fragrance concentration is within safe limits.
• REACH compliance statement, including SVHC declaration.
• UFI code and proof of Poison Centre notification support.
• German-language label artwork or translation support.

Final Thoughts

Compliance is not a barrier to entering the German candle market; it is the entry ticket. Buyers who treat DIN EN 15493 testing, CLP labeling, GPSR documentation, and LUCID registration as part of product development, rather than as an afterthought, consistently clear customs faster, win retail listings, and avoid the costly recalls that affect under-prepared competitors.

If you are planning a candle import program for Germany, Aromiso’s compliance team can prepare the full documentation package, including DIN EN 15493 reports and CLP-compliant German labels, as part of every private-label order.