California candle Prop 65 warning
Selling candles into California? You may need a Proposition 65 warning. Here is the exact short-form text most candle makers use, and a plain-language guide to when it is actually required.
The short-form warning text
The on-product short-form warning permitted under 27 CCR §25603 is built for small labels. The most common version for candles is:
Source: California Code of Regulations, Title 27, §25603 (short-form warnings); warning symbol per 27 CCR §25601.
It has three required parts: the Prop 65 warning symbol (a black exclamation point in a yellow — or black-and-white — equilateral triangle) to the left of the word WARNING in bold capitals, the hazard wording, and the www.P65Warnings.ca.gov URL. Depending on which listed chemicals are actually present, the hazard wording may read Cancer only, Reproductive Harm only, or the combined form above.
When is the warning required?
Proposition 65 (the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986) requires a "clear and reasonable" warning only when all of these are true:
- The product is sold or shipped into California, and
- It can expose a person to a chemical on California's Proposition 65 list (the state lists chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive harm), and
- That exposure is above the relevant safe-harbor level (the "no significant risk level" for carcinogens or the "maximum allowable dose level" for reproductive toxicants).
Candle components — certain fragrance ingredients, dyes, wick materials, and combustion byproducts — can include listed chemicals, which is why many makers warn. If your formulation does not expose consumers above the safe-harbor level, a warning may not be required.
If you do not sell into California
If you never sell or ship into California, the warning is not required at all. Many makers still add it because online orders can cross state lines — but it is a business choice, not a federal requirement.
Short form vs. long form, in brief
The short form (above) is for the product itself and small labels and does not have to name a chemical. The long form is used on larger packaging, shelf signs, or online listings and must name at least one listed chemical. Both require the symbol and the P65Warnings.ca.gov URL. California has revised the short-form rules over time, so confirm your wording against the current edition of 27 CCR before a long print run. Full short-form vs. long-form comparison →
Get the exact copy
Tell our free checker that your candle is sold in California and it generates the short-form Prop 65 warning alongside the rest of your label copy, each block cited to its standard.
Check your candle label for freeFree requirements checklist + preview of the exact compliant copy — no signup.Frequently asked questions
What is the exact Prop 65 warning for candles sold in California?
A common short form is: WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm — www.P65Warnings.ca.gov, preceded by the yellow triangle warning symbol. The hazard wording (Cancer, Reproductive Harm, or both) depends on the chemicals actually present.
When do California candles need a Prop 65 warning?
Only when the candle is sold or shipped into California and can expose a person to a Proposition 65-listed chemical above the relevant safe-harbor level. If exposure stays below that level, a warning may not be required.
Do I need a Prop 65 warning if I never sell in California?
No. Proposition 65 applies to products sold or shipped into California. If you never sell into the state, it is not required — though some sellers add it because online orders can cross state lines.
Does the candle Prop 65 short form have to name a chemical?
No. The short form states the type of harm (cancer and/or reproductive harm) and includes the P65Warnings.ca.gov URL but does not have to name a specific chemical. The long form does name at least one listed chemical.
Informational only — not legal advice. Verify against the current governing standard before printing. LabelClear generates text from published rule data and does not guarantee regulatory approval.