If you make wax melts to sell, whether at Christmas markets, on Etsy or to friends and local customers, you have probably been told that you need a CLP label. It is one of the questions we hear most often from makers, and it can feel confusing at first. In this guide, we explain whether wax melts need CLP labels in the UK, what has to go on the label, how to use the CLP documents on our fragrance oil pages and the common mistakes to avoid before the busy Christmas season.
Quick answer: Yes, in most cases. Scented wax melts usually need a CLP label, because the fragrance oil they contain normally makes the finished melt hazardous, or means it needs extra allergen information, under GB CLP rules. The label must show your name, UK address and phone number, the product name, the weight, and the pictograms, signal word and hazard and precautionary statements for your fragrance at the percentage you use. Unscented melts made from a non-hazardous wax generally don't need one.
What Is a CLP Label?
CLP stands for Classification, Labelling and Packaging. In Great Britain, the rules are known as GB CLP. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is responsible for them, and Trading Standards enforce them for products sold to the public.
A CLP label tells your customer about any hazards in your product, such as a risk of an allergic skin reaction or harm to aquatic life, and explains how to use and dispose of it safely. Fragrance oils contain ingredients that can carry these hazards, which is why scented melts usually need a label.
Do Wax Melts Need CLP Labels in the UK?
Yes. If you sell scented wax melts, you will almost always need a CLP label. Business Companion, the official Trading Standards guidance site, explains that candles and similar products are treated as mixtures, and that the labelling duties apply to small, home-based makers in the same way as they apply to large companies.
What goes on the label depends on the fragrance oil you use and how much of it you add. Every fragrance is different, so each scent in your range needs its own label. As a general guide:
- Scented wax melts you sell: these usually need a CLP label.
- Unscented melts made from a non-hazardous wax: these generally don't need a CLP label.
- Melts you make only for your own home: these don't need a CLP label, because you aren't supplying them to anyone else.
What Needs to Go on a Wax Melt CLP Label?
Under GB CLP, the label for a hazardous mixture must include the following:
- Your name, address and telephone number. As the maker, you are the supplier of the finished melts, so these are your details, not ours. Use a UK address; an email address on its own isn't enough.
- The nominal quantity. For wax melts, this is the weight of the wax in grams (for example, 50g), not including the packaging.
- The product identifier. This is the name of your product, plus the "Contains" line listing any ingredients named in the CLP document, copied in full.
- Hazard pictograms. These are the diamond-shaped symbols with a red border, such as the exclamation mark or the environment symbol, shown in the CLP document.
- A signal word. This will be either "Warning" or "Danger", where one applies.
- Hazard statements. These describe the hazard, for example "May cause an allergic skin reaction."
- Precautionary statements. These explain how to use, store and dispose of the product safely.
- Supplemental information. This includes statements such as "Contains [ingredient]. May produce an allergic reaction." where the CLP document lists them.
Copy all of the wording exactly as it appears in the CLP document. Don't shorten, reword or leave out any of the statements.
How Big Does a CLP Label Need to Be?
The label must be firmly fixed to the packaging, easy to read and written in English. For packs of up to 3 litres, which covers wax melt clamshells and snap bar packs, the label should be at least 52mm by 74mm where possible, and each pictogram must be at least 1cm by 1cm. If your packaging is too small for this, a fold-out or peel-back label is a common solution.
How Do You Use the CLP Documents on Our Fragrance Oil Pages?
Every fragrance oil on our website has a "Safety Data Sheets and IFRA information" section with documents you can download. For wax melts, you will mostly use these:
- 10% CLP (non hazardous base): the label information for the fragrance oil at 10% in a non-hazardous base such as soy wax. This is the document most wax melt makers need.
- 10% SDS (non hazardous base): the safety data sheet at the same concentration, which is worth keeping on file with your recipe.
- IFRA certificate: this shows the maximum amount of the fragrance oil that can be used in different types of product.
- Allergen declaration: this lists the allergens in the fragrance oil.
- 100% SDS: this describes the neat fragrance oil, so you can handle it safely in your workshop. Don't use it for your wax melt label.
The most important step is to match the document to your recipe. Our 10% CLP is worked out for a fragrance load of 10%, which is at the top of the 6 to 10% range we recommend for wax melts. If you pour at 10%, your recipe matches the document. If you use a different percentage, the classification can change, so have the label calculated for your exact recipe by a CLP specialist. If you add anything else, such as a dye, check its safety data sheet too, as it may also affect the label.
Not sure how to work out your percentage? Our guide on how much fragrance oil you need for wax melts explains the simple calculation.
Which Fragrance Oils Come with CLP Documents?
Every fragrance oil in our range comes with CLP, SDS, IFRA and allergen documents on its product page. Here are some popular choices for Christmas and winter wax melts, all available in sizes from 10g for testing:
- Chocolate Orange Fragrance Oil: a crowd-pleasing classic, with orange zest, vanilla and honey over rich notes of chocolate, sugar and cocoa. From £1.99.
- Nordic Spruce Fragrance Oil: pine and eucalyptus with fir needle, sandalwood, cedarwood and vanilla. The Christmas tree scent customers ask for. From £2.49.
- Toasted Marshmallow Fragrance Oil: golden syrup and caramel with vanilla, malt and white woods. Perfect for Bonfire Night and cosy winter evenings. From £1.99.
- Ginger Flump Fragrance Oil: cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg on a warm base of vanilla and tonka. From £1.99.
- Candy Cane Fragrance Oil: peppermint and orange with strawberry, coconut, vanilla and sugar. Bright, festive and great for gift sets. From £2.49.
- Book Shop Fragrance Oil: oakmoss and tonka bean, with a mellow, slightly sweet and green character. Ideal for cosy winter melts. From £2.49.
- Fresh Linen Fragrance Oil: the comforting scent of freshly laundered sheets, and a year-round best seller for any range. From £2.30.
For your wax, our Kerasoy 4120 Pillar Soy Wax is a vegan, biodegradable soy wax made in the UK for wax melts and pillar candles. From £7.99 for 1kg.
You can browse every scent in our wax melt fragrance oils range, or see our seasonal favourites in the Autumn and Christmas fragrance oils collection. For more festive ideas, read our guide to the best Christmas fragrance oils for wax melts.
Do You Need a Separate CLP Label for Each Scent?
Yes. Each fragrance oil has its own classification, so a label written for Chocolate Orange can't be used on Nordic Spruce. The same applies if you change the amount of fragrance oil in a recipe, because the hazard information may change too. Keeping a simple record of each scent, its fragrance load and the CLP document you used will make sure your labels always match your recipes.
Do Wax Melts Need Other Safety Warnings?
CLP covers chemical hazards, but it is good practice to add simple usage warnings as well, such as:
- Never leave a wax warmer unattended while it is in use.
- Keep wax melts out of the reach of children and pets.
- Wax melts are not edible.
- Use only in a warmer designed for wax melts, and follow the warmer's instructions.
It is also worth thinking about how your melts look. Products that could be mistaken for real food or sweets by young children can break UK product safety rules, so avoid very realistic food shapes.
Do You Need a CLP Label to Sell Wax Melts Online or at Craft Fairs?
Yes. The rules are the same wherever you sell, whether that is on Etsy, Vinted, your own website or a market stall. If you sell online, it is a good idea to show the CLP information in your listing as well, so buyers can see it before they order.
If you sell to customers in Northern Ireland or the EU, the EU version of CLP applies instead, and you may also need a UFI code (a unique formula identifier). A UFI code is not required for products sold in Great Britain.
What Are the Most Common CLP Label Mistakes?
Here are the mistakes we see most often:
- Using the 100% SDS instead of the 10% CLP document.
- Copying another maker's label, when their recipe and supplier may be different from yours.
- Leaving off your address or telephone number.
- Rewording or shortening the hazard and precautionary statements.
- Forgetting to update your labels when you change a recipe.
Why Choose Aroma Ninjas for Wax Melt Fragrance Oils?
- Professional grade and highly concentrated: a little goes a long way.
- Safety documents for every oil: CLP, SDS, IFRA and allergen documents ready to download from each product page.
- Strong cold and hot scent throw in soy wax melts.
- Sizes for every stage: from 10g bottles for testing new scents up to 1kg for production.
- Free UK mainland delivery on orders over £125 (excluding VAT).
FAQs
Does unscented soy wax need a CLP label?
Generally, no. If the wax isn't classified as hazardous and you haven't added any fragrance oil, it doesn't need a CLP label. Check the safety data sheet for your wax to be sure, and remember that once you add fragrance oil, the finished melt will usually need one.
Can I use the same CLP label for every size of wax melt?
The hazard information stays the same for the same scent and fragrance load, so you can use the same wording. However, the nominal quantity must match the weight in each pack, so make sure you change the weight on each label.
Can I make my own CLP labels?
Yes. Many small makers design and print their own labels using the CLP documents from their fragrance oil supplier. Just make sure every required element is included, the wording is copied exactly and the pictograms are large enough. If you're unsure, a CLP specialist or your local Trading Standards office can help.
What happens if I sell wax melts without a CLP label?
Selling hazardous products without the correct labelling breaks the law, and Trading Standards can take enforcement action, which may include requiring you to remove products from sale. Getting your labels right from the start protects both your customers and your business.
Final Thoughts
CLP labels can look daunting at first, but once you have done one, the rest are simple. Download the 10% CLP document for each scent, make sure it matches your recipe, copy the wording exactly and add your own name, address, phone number and weight. Do that for every fragrance in your range, and you can sell your wax melts with confidence this Christmas. (This guide is general information to help you get started, not legal advice. If you need advice on your own products, contact your local Trading Standards office.)
If you're just getting started, our step-by-step guide on how to make wax melts at home covers the basics, and our wax melt fragrance oils UK guide explains how much to use and where to buy in bulk.
Explore our full range today and find the perfect fragrance oil for your wax melts, whether you're crafting for fun or to sell!