Fire safety tests for Candles TÜV Certified – EN 15493:2019

Fire safety tests for Candles TÜV Certified - EN 15493:2019

The fire safety test for candles according to EN 15493:2019 is a standard laboratory procedure to see how safe candles are when lit. This test ensures that candles do not pose a fire hazard to people when used normally. It is an important requirement for all candle manufacturers and distributors placing their products on the EU market.

Purpose of the test

The purpose of this test is to determine whether a candle burns safely throughout its life cycle. Standard EN 15493:2019 establishes requirements and test methods to minimize risks such as excessive flame, secondary ignition, cracking in the container or uncontrolled flame behavior.

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 fire safety testing is important

• Regulatory compliance: EN 15493:2019 is a mandatory European safety standard for candles sold in the EU.
• Consumer safety: prevents fire hazards from instability, cracks in the holder or abnormal flames.
• Product reliability: ensures consistent and predictable performance throughout the firing cycle.
• Market acceptance: demonstrates compliance to retailers, importers and safety authorities.

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

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 assesses

The fire safety test assesses various safety parameters, including:

• Flame height and stability throughout the burning period.
• Self-extinguishing behavior at the end of the fire.
• Integrity of the holder for filled candles and candles in a holder (resistance to cracking or breaking).
• Flame propagation and prevention of secondary ignition.
• Safety of wick performance (e.g., mushrooming, smoke generation or multiple flames).

Test procedure

1. Sample preparation: Six representative candle samples are required for testing.
2. Burning arrangement: Each candle is placed in a draft-free chamber under controlled temperature and humidity.
3. Ignition and monitoring: The candle is lit and continuously monitored throughout the burning period.
4. Measurement: Flame height, flame stability and self-extinguishing behavior are recorded at specified intervals.
5. Assessment: Observations are compared with the criteria of EN 15493:2019 to determine compliance.

Sample requirements

• Number of samples: 6 finished candles
• Condition: unused, undamaged and representative of the lot
• Packaging: each sample must be individually protected to prevent surface damage
• Additional data: product name, material type and wick specifications (if available)

Results and reporting

The laboratory report includes:

• Test conditions and reference to EN 15493:2019
• Detailed observations and measurements of fire behavior
• Declaration of conformity indicating passed or failed
• Recommendations for improvements in design or composition (if applicable)

Why choose accredited testing

Testing according to EN 15493:2019 should be performed by an accredited laboratory experienced in assessing candle safety. Accredited tests ensure that the data are accepted by market surveillance authorities and provide reliable conformity certification.