Candle net-weight label (FPLA): how to format it correctly
The Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA) requires consumer packages — including candles — to declare the net quantity of contents. Get the units, order, and placement right and the rest is easy.
What the law requires
The FPLA (15 U.S.C. §1453) and its implementing rules (16 CFR Part 500) require an accurate statement of the net quantity of contents on the principal display panel — the part of the package most likely to face the consumer at point of sale. For candles, the declared quantity is the net weight of wax, not the weight of the jar, lid, or packaging.
Dual units: US customary first, metric in parentheses
The net-quantity statement must appear in both US customary units (ounces or pounds) and metric (SI) units (grams or kilograms). The customary unit is declared first, with the metric equivalent following — commonly in parentheses.
| If you know… | Declare it as |
|---|---|
| 8 ounces of wax | Net Wt 8 oz (227 g) |
| 250 grams of wax | Net Wt 8.82 oz (250 g) |
| 16 ounces of wax | Net Wt 16 oz (454 g) |
One ounce equals approximately 28.35 grams (28.349523125 g, the standard conversion used in NIST Handbook 130). Our checker computes the metric equivalent for you from whichever unit you enter and rounds ounces to a consumer-readable precision and grams to the nearest whole gram.
Placement: the bottom 30% of the panel
Under the FPLA regulations, the net-quantity statement must sit within the bottom 30% of the principal display panel, placed generally parallel to the base of the package, in a type size and style that is conspicuous and easy to read. Keep it clear of other graphics so it is not crowded.
A label-ready example
Source: Fair Packaging and Labeling Act, 15 U.S.C. §1453; FTC rules at 16 CFR Part 500.
Common mistakes
- Weighing the whole product. Declare only the wax, not the vessel.
- Single unit. Omitting the metric (or the customary) equivalent is non-compliant.
- Wrong order. US customary comes first; metric follows.
- Wrong placement. The statement belongs low on the front panel, not on the back or lid.
- "Net Wt." spelled out inconsistently. Use a clear, conventional abbreviation such as Net Wt and keep it legible.
Frequently asked questions
Do candle labels need both ounces and grams?
Yes. The FPLA requires a dual declaration: US customary units (ounces or pounds) first, followed by the metric (SI) equivalent in grams or kilograms.
Is the net weight the wax only or the whole candle?
It is the net weight of the contents — the wax — not the jar, lid, or packaging.
Where does the net-weight statement go on a candle?
In the bottom 30% of the principal display panel (the front face shown to the consumer), placed parallel to the base of the package and in a conspicuous type size.
How do I convert ounces to grams for the label?
Multiply ounces by about 28.35 to get grams (the precise factor is 28.349523125 g per ounce). For example, 8 oz 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.