Missouri Direct-to-Consumer Guide 01 of 24
Aromatics
Candles, sachets, incense and room scents sold direct
No State License Needed
NoneMissouri license specific to candles
CPSCFederal consumer-product rules
MoCRAIf worn on skin
FIFRAIf repel or germ claims
What is covered, and what needs a different path
Covered
- Candles, wax melts and sachets
- Room sprays and reed diffusers
- Incense and dried scent bundles
Needs a different path
- Oils or balms applied to skin
- Insect-repellent or germ-kill claims
- Ingestible essential oils
Three compliance steps
AClassify by use
Air scent and decor stay under CPSC; anything worn on skin moves to cosmetics rules.
BLabel it
Product name, net quantity, your name and address, and flame or child-safety warnings.
CRegister to sell
Get a Missouri sales tax license from DOR and collect state plus local tax.
Quick reference
| Item | Rule | Regulator |
|---|
| Candles | No state permit; CPSC safety rules and FHSA labeling if hazardous | CPSC |
| Wax melts | Same as candles; warning label if hazardous | CPSC |
| Skin-contact oils | Cosmetic: MoCRA labeling and safety substantiation | FDA |
| Repellent claims | Pesticide registration may be required | EPA / MDA |
| Sales tax | Retail sales are taxable; Missouri sales tax license, state plus local rate | MO DOR |
FAQ
Do I need a state license for candles?
No candle-specific Missouri license was identified; you still need a sales tax license.
Can I say a scent relieves anxiety?
Therapeutic claims can reclassify a product under FDA rules. Describe the scent instead.
What records should I keep?
Fragrance supplier safety data sheets and your wick and container test notes.
Printable checklist
- Decide decor use versus skin use
- Collect supplier safety data sheets
- Draft label with warnings
- Add name, address, net quantity
- Register for sales tax
- Remove any health claims