Federal Labeling AppliesAromatics
Candles, sachets, incense and room sprays. Selling direct to consumers in Maine.
State licenseNone for candles
Key lawCPSC / FPLA
Cosmetic?Only if applied to skin
Sales tax5.5% general
What is covered
Covered by this path
- Candles and wax melts
- Sachets and potpourri
- Room sprays (non-disinfectant)
Needs a different path
- Anything applied to skin (see Body Care)
- Disinfectant or pest claims (EPA FIFRA)
- Edible or ingestible products
Three compliance steps
AClassify the product
Decide if it is a home fragrance item or a skin product. Skin use moves it under FDA cosmetic rules.
BLabel it
Show net quantity, your name and address, and any safety warnings required for the item.
CRegister for tax
Collect Maine sales tax on taxable retail sales through a Maine Revenue Services account.
Quick reference
| Item | Rule | Regulator |
|---|
| Candles | No Maine product license identified in sources reviewed | CPSC / consumer protection |
| Skin-contact scents | Cosmetic rules apply | FDA (MoCRA) |
| Disinfectant claims | Pesticide registration required | EPA |
| Retail sales | Sales tax on taxable sales | Maine Revenue Services |
Frequently asked
Do I need a Maine license?No state license for candles was identified in the sources reviewed; confirm with DACF if you add food-grade ingredients.
Can I say it kills germs?No. Germ-kill claims make it a registered pesticide product.
Printable checklist
Product classified
Label drafted
Warnings added
Sales tax account open
Insurance quote requested