Aromatics
Candles, incense, sachets and room sprays: product-safety rules, not food rules.
Federal Rules ApplyBannedLead-core wicks
FPLANet-quantity label
MoCRAIf used on skin
NoneFood permit needed
What is covered and what needs a different path
What this guide covers
- Candles and wax melts sold as home fragrance
- Incense, sachets and dried botanical bundles
- Room and linen sprays not applied to skin
- Diffusers sold with safe-use labeling
Needs a different path
- Scented oils marketed for skin use (see Body Care)
- Health claims such as treats anxiety or sleep (drug claims)
- Insect-repellent candles (pesticide registration, EPA)
- Aerosols (pressurized-container and shipping rules)
Three compliance steps
A
Classify each product
Decide by the label and the marketing: home fragrance stays here; anything worn or applied becomes a cosmetic.
B
Label it
Product name, net quantity, maker name and address, and burn or use warnings such as never leave a burning candle unattended.
C
Keep records
File supplier safety data sheets, fragrance documentation and your test-burn notes.
Quick reference
| Item | Rule | Regulator |
|---|---|---|
| Wicks | Lead-core wicks are banned from sale | CPSC |
| Label | Identity, net quantity, name and address | FTC / CPSC |
| Skin-use oils | Cosmetic rules: labeling, safety substantiation | FDA (MoCRA) |
| Repellent claims | Pesticide registration required | EPA / MDAR |
| Sales tax | Non-food goods taxed at 6.25% | MA DOR |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a food permit?No. These are not food. The Board of Health food permit does not apply, but local business certificates may.
What if I add a skin-use claim?The product becomes a cosmetic and the Body Care rules apply.
Do I charge sales tax?Yes, non-food goods are taxable in Massachusetts at 6.25%.
Printable checklist
- Lead-free wick confirmed
- Warning label printed
- Net quantity on label
- Maker name and address on label
- Safety data sheets filed
- Test burn logged
- Sales tax registration active