Prop 65 short-form warning for candles: exact text and rules
If you ship candles to California, Proposition 65 may require a clear and reasonable warning. The on-product short-form warning is the compact version makers usually use — and it has a precise, prescribed format.
What Proposition 65 is
California's Proposition 65 (the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986) requires businesses to provide a "clear and reasonable" warning before knowingly exposing people in California to chemicals the state has listed as causing cancer or reproductive harm. The warning-content regulations live in Title 27 of the California Code of Regulations (27 CCR). Candle components — certain fragrance ingredients, dyes, wick materials, and combustion byproducts — can include listed chemicals, which is why many candle makers include the warning.
The short-form warning
The on-product short-form warning is permitted under 27 CCR §25603 and is designed for small labels. A compliant short-form warning has three parts:
- The Prop 65 warning symbol — a black exclamation point inside a yellow (or black-and-white) equilateral triangle — to the left of the word WARNING.
- The signal word
WARNINGin all capital letters and bold. - A hazard statement naming the type of harm, followed by the Prop 65 warnings website URL.
The exact text
Here is the cancer-and-reproductive-harm short form our checker generates:
Source: California Code of Regulations, Title 27, §25603 (short-form warnings). Symbol per 27 CCR §25601.
Depending on which listed chemicals are actually present, the short form may instead read Cancer only, Reproductive Harm only, or the combined Cancer and Reproductive Harm shown above. Choose the wording that matches your specific exposures.
Short form vs. long form
| Short form | Long form | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | On the product / small labels | Larger packaging, shelf signs, online |
| Names a chemical? | No (states the hazard type) | Yes (names at least one listed chemical) |
| Symbol required? | Yes | Yes |
| URL required? | Yes (P65Warnings.ca.gov) | Yes |
Note: California has periodically revised the short-form rules, including the content and minimum type size. Always confirm your wording against the current edition of 27 CCR before printing a long run.
Do all candles need it?
No. The warning is only required when there is a knowing and intentional exposure to a listed chemical above the relevant safe-harbor level, for products sold in California. If your formulation does not expose consumers to a listed chemical above that level, a warning may not be required — but many makers warn out of caution. When in doubt, review your ingredient and combustion data, or consult a qualified professional.
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 short-form warning for candles?
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.
Do I need the Prop 65 warning if I do not sell in California?
No. Proposition 65 applies to products sold or shipped into California. If you never sell into California, the warning is not required — though many sellers add it because online orders can cross state lines.
What symbol does the short-form warning require?
A black exclamation point inside an equilateral triangle, typically on a yellow background, placed to the left of the word WARNING.
Does the 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 it 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.