Candle net weight label: dual declaration and placement
The net weight on a candle label has to be written a specific way. Under the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act it is a dual declaration — US customary units and metric — placed low on the front of the package. Here is exactly how to do it.
The dual declaration: US customary, then metric
The FPLA (15 U.S.C. §1453) and the FTC's rules (16 CFR Part 500) require the net quantity of contents to appear in both systems of measure: US customary (ounces or pounds) declared first, with the metric (SI) equivalent — grams or kilograms — following, commonly in parentheses.
| You poured… | Write it as |
|---|---|
| 4 ounces of wax | Net Wt 4 oz (113 g) |
| 8 ounces of wax | Net Wt 8 oz (227 g) |
| 200 grams of wax | Net Wt 7.05 oz (200 g) |
One ounce is 28.349523125 grams (the standard avoirdupois conversion used in NIST Handbook 130), so multiply ounces by about 28.35 to get grams. Our checker computes the equivalent from whichever unit you enter.
Weigh the wax, not the vessel
The declared quantity is the net weight of contents — the wax only. Do not include the jar, lid, wick, or packaging. The simplest method is to weigh your wax before pouring, or weigh the finished candle and subtract the known empty-vessel weight.
Where the net-weight statement goes
Place the statement on the principal display panel (the face most likely shown to the buyer at point of sale), within the bottom 30% of that panel, generally parallel to the base of the package, in a conspicuous, easy-to-read type size. Keep it clear of other graphics so it is not crowded.
Source: Fair Packaging and Labeling Act, 15 U.S.C. §1453; FTC rules at 16 CFR Part 500; metric conversion per NIST Handbook 130.
Quick mistakes to avoid
- Declaring only one unit (you need both US customary and metric).
- Putting metric first (US customary comes first).
- Including the jar in the weight (wax only).
- Placing it on the back or lid instead of low on the front panel.
For the deeper background, regulatory placement detail, and more examples, see the full explainer: FPLA net-weight statement for candles →
Check your candle label for freeFree requirements checklist + preview of the exact compliant copy — no signup.Frequently asked questions
Does a candle net weight label need both ounces and grams?
Yes. The FPLA requires a dual declaration: US customary units (ounces or pounds) first, followed by the metric equivalent (grams or kilograms), commonly in parentheses.
Where does the net weight go on a candle label?
In the bottom 30% of the principal display panel (the front face shown to the buyer), placed parallel to the base of the package in a conspicuous type size.
Is the candle net weight the wax or the whole product?
Only the wax. The net-weight statement excludes the jar, lid, wick, and packaging.
How do I convert candle wax ounces to grams?
Multiply ounces by about 28.35 (precisely 28.349523125 g per ounce). For example, 8 oz of wax is about 227 g.
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.