Soot Testing for Candles TÜV Certified – EN 15426:2018

Soot Testing for Candles TÜV Certified - EN 15426:2018

The soot test for candles according to EN 15426:2018 is a laboratory analysis to see how many visible soot particles are released when a candle burns. The test shows whether a candle is within the limits set by European safety standards. It ensures that the product burns cleanly and safely without polluting indoor air or leaving stains on surfaces.

Purpose of the soot test for candles (EN 15426:2018) test

The purpose of this test is to assess the clean burning of candles under controlled laboratory conditions. Excessive soot not only affects indoor air quality, but can also leave black residue on walls, ceilings and candlesticks. EN 15426:2018 provides the standardized method to measure and reduce soot emissions from burning candles.

TÜV-certified candle safety tests – The gold standard for quality and compliance

EN 15493:2019 fire safety tests and EN 15426:2018 soot tests are done under TÜV certification, ensuring the highest accuracy, reliability and international recognition.

What is TÜV?

TÜV (short for Technischer Überwachungsverein, or Technische Inspectievereniging in Dutch) is a globally recognized group of independent German certification bodies. TÜV organizations such as TÜV SÜD, TÜV Rheinland and TÜV Nord are known for their rigorous testing, inspection and certification procedures in various sectors ranging from automobiles and electrical equipment to cosmetics and consumer goods.

This means:

• The testing process has been checked and verified by TÜV experts.
• The laboratory follows strict quality management and calibration standards.
• Test results are traceable, reproducible and internationally accepted.
• The procedures comply with ISO/IEC 17025 and European harmonized test methods.

Why TÜV certification is important for candle testing

TÜV certification is the gold standard for product safety and performance testing. It guarantees that each result is backed by independent validation and is recognized in the EU, UK and international markets.

For candle manufacturers, TÜV offers certified testing:

• Credibility and trust – TÜV is one of the most respected quality brands worldwide.
• Regulatory confidence – Demonstrates compliance with the General Product Safety Regulation (EU 2023/988) and UK equivalents.
• Acceptance by retailers – TÜV-approved reports are widely accepted by importers, distributors and major retail chains.
• Market advantage – TÜV certification distinguishes your brand as a producer of top quality, controlled, safe candles.

TÜV-certified tests we offer

• EN 15493:2019 – Fire Safety Test. – Evaluates flame stability, holder integrity and self-extinguishing behavior to ensure that the candle burns safely during use.
• EN 15426:2018 – Soot Survey. – Measure visible soot and smoke emissions to confirm that the candle burns cleanly and does not affect indoor air quality.

Both tests are conducted under the supervision and certification of TÜV and provide independent confirmation that the candles meet European safety standards and industry best practices

Why soot testing is important

• Regulatory Compliance: EN 15426:2018 is part of the European candle safety standards required for market approval in the EU.
• Consumer safety: ensures that the product does not emit harmful amounts of soot or fine particles.
• Product quality assurance: confirms clean, stable and efficient combustion.
• Environmental Responsibility: Reduces indoor air pollution and contributes to a safer consumer experience.

Candle testing and compliance – EU and UK safety requirements

All candles entering the European or UK market must comply with product safety regulations to ensure they are safe for consumers. Although candles are not considered cosmetics or chemicals, they are covered by General Product Safety Regulation (EU) 2023/988 and the UK General Product Safety Regulations 2005. These rules say manufacturers, importers and distributors must show that their products are safe when used normally.

The recognized method of demonstrating compliance is through testing according to European standard EN 15493 and related candle safety standards. These tests verify that candles burn safely, cleanly and as intended, without posing a risk to consumers or their environment.

EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) – (EU) 2023/988

This regulation goes into effect in December 2024 and replaces the old General Product Safety Directive (GPSD 2001/95/EC). It applies to all consumer products, including candles.

The GPSR requires manufacturers, importers and distributors to ensure that products placed on the EU market are safe under normal or reasonably foreseeable use. To demonstrate this, testing to harmonized standards (such as EN standards) is the accepted way to comply.

Although the GPSR does not specifically mention “candles,” it legally requires manufacturers to demonstrate safety – and the EN standards below for candles are the recognized method of doing so.

There are three main standards to follow

1. EN 15493:2019 – Candles: specification for fire safety.

Mandatory reference standard for fire safety of candles in the EU.

Defines test methods to prevent hazards such as:

• Excessive flame height
• Cracking or breaking of the holder
• Secondary ignition or spread of flame
• Unsafe self-extinguishing behavior

Testing according to EN 15493 is the standard way to demonstrate compliance with the fire safety requirements of the GPSR.

2. EN 15426:2018 – Candles: specification for soot behavior.

Specifies how to measure visible soot emissions and how to ensure that candles do not emit excessive amounts of soot during burning.

This standard protects indoor air quality and is often required by retailers, insurers and authorities.

3. EN 15494:2019 – Product safety labels for candles.

Sets rules for safety labeling – warning symbols, pictograms and instructions for use.

Even if you perform safety testing, you must also use the proper labels according to this standard.

Examples include:

• “Fire within sight”
• “Keep away from combustible materials”
• “Keep out of reach of children and pets”

Other related standards (optional/additional)

• EN 15472:2021 – Candlesticks, fire safety requirements.
• EN 16240:2013 – Candle accessories (candle rings, decorative materials)
• EN 16738:2015 – Safety of candles in holders.
• EN 16739:2015 – Safety of tea lights

Retail and insurance requirements.

Most major retailers, distributors and certification bodies require compliance with EN 15493, EN 15426 and EN 15494 before accepting candles for sale.

Test certificates are used as proof of conformity to demonstrate compliance with EU product safety legislation.

UK market

In the United Kingdom after brexit, the equivalent regulations are the UK General Product Safety Regulations 2005.

The same EN standards (EN 15493, EN 15426, EN 15494) are recognized and enforced in the United Kingdom as BS EN standards.

Additional laboratory evaluations

In addition to the above regulatory standards, internal tests are often conducted to assess overall quality and performance, including:

• Evaluation of the roasting process
• Burn time test (burn time)
• Organoleptic evaluation (appearance, wick alignment and smoking behavior)
• Analysis of drip resistance and wash consumption

Why candle testing is important

• Ensures compliance with EU and UK product safety laws
• Prevents fire hazards, soot emissions and unsafe fire behavior
• Builds trust with consumers and improves your brand’s reputation
• Required by retailers, insurers and import authorities before your product goes to market

Testing provides documented proof of safety and quality, allowing your candles to be marketed with confidence and meet the highest European safety standards.

What this test evaluates

The soot test evaluates:

• The rate of soot emission (mg soot/hour or mg soot/g candle mass).
• The combustion quality and stability of the flame.
• The influence of wax composition and wick size on the purity of combustion.
• The influence of fragrance oils, dyes and additives on soot formation.
• Compliance with the maximum allowable soot index limits as defined in EN 15426:2018.

Test procedure

1. Sample Preparation: Six representative candle samples are required for testing.
2. Controlled environment: Candles are burned in an enclosed, draft-free test chamber equipped with an aerosol photometer or filter-based soot collection system.
3. Measurement phase: The candle is lit and allowed to burn for a certain period of time while the soot particles are measured continuously.
4. Data recording: The soot concentration in the air or on filters is recorded and compared to baseline conditions.
5. Evaluation: Results are analyzed to determine if the product meets the soot emission limits of EN 15426:2018.

Sample requirements

• Number of samples: 6 finished candles
• Condition: Unused and free of defects or surface contamination
• Type: Suitable for testing both candles in a holder and freestanding candles
• Packaging: Protect from damage and dust contamination during transportation
• Additional data: If available, provide details on wax composition, odor intensity and wick type

Results and reporting

The final laboratory report includes:

• Reference to standard EN 15426:2018
• Graphical soot emission profile and test data
• Calculation of soot index or mass concentration.
• Comparison to compliance thresholds
• Observations of abnormal combustion behavior
• Conclusion on market conformity (pass/fail)

Why choose accredited testing

Accredited testing laboratories ensure reproducible and recognized results that comply with EU regulations. Testing to EN 15426:2018 helps manufacturers verify compliance and provides reliable documentation for technical files and product labeling.