Candles, potpourri, sachets, incense, and diffuser blends sold direct to Iowa shoppers
Aromatics are not food or cosmetics, so Iowa Code 137F and the Iowa cottage food exemption do not apply. Instead, the Federal Hazardous Substances Act and CPSC flammability standards set the floor for candles, incense, and sachets.
Include a burn-time warning, "keep away from children and pets," trim-the-wick instructions, and never leave burning unattended language on any open-flame product. List fragrance or essential oils used if allergens (like tree nut carrier oils) are present.
Stay with fragrance and ambiance language. The moment copy promises a therapeutic or medicinal effect, the product legally becomes a drug or cosmetic and MoCRA/FDA cosmetic rules attach instead.
| Item | Rule | Regulator |
|---|---|---|
| Candles (soy/paraffin/beeswax) | CPSC flammability standard; no lead-core wicks | CPSC / federal |
| Potpourri, sachets, dried botanicals | General consumer product; truthful labeling | FTC / CPSC |
| Room sprays, linen mists | No drug claims; ingredient list recommended | FDA |
| Incense | Combustible product labeling; local fire code for retail display | CPSC / local |
| Essential oil blends (aromatherapy, not skin) | No disease-treatment claims | FDA |
No product-specific state license exists for candles or potpourri. You still need any general vendor permit the market or city requires, plus sales tax registration with the Iowa Department of Revenue.
Keep it to how it smells, not what it treats. Health-outcome language ("relieves anxiety," "heals headaches") can push the FDA to regulate the product as a drug.
Yes. The CPSC banned lead wicks nationwide in 2003. Use cotton, paper-core, or wood wicks and keep a supplier certificate on file.
Interstate shipping brings in federal carrier rules for flammable and combustible goods (candle wax, oils); check your shipping carrier's hazmat guidance before mailing candles or oil blends.