The RAL Quality Mark for Candles as a European Warranty Mark
The RAL quality mark has been recognized by the European Union as a guarantee mark. This means that the rules of the RAL quality mark are legally recognized throughout Europe.
Revision of the RAL Quality Mark for Candles
RAL has approved the revision of the quality and test specifications after the successful completion of the RAL consultation process.
The revision contains above all clarifications on how to:
– Audits by external auditors, in particular DEKRA
– Burning time specifications for grave yard lights
– Test methods for the determination of limit values for ingredients with health relevance
Comprehensive spot checks
in commercial sector for all pillar candles with RAL quality marks on a quarterly basis
DEKRA tests iPad app for measuring flame height.
This measurement method may become a quality mark standard from 2020.
Comprehensive spot checks
in commercial sector for all tealights with RAL quality marks on a quarterly basis
Consideration of BGH decision on “tested by LGA” from 2016 in the quality mark environment.
Revision of quality assurance and test specifications with the following objectives:
- Further reduction of heavy metal limits according to the Alara principle
- For the first time, requirements around the flammability of plastic containers
Coming into force: 1 January 2017
New quality assurance and test specifications in force
since 1 December 2015
The quality assurance and test specifications have
- a simplified structure
- only minor changes in content
- a new chapter 041/2, “Lights”
- changes only for
- 2-3.2 Brennzyklen
- 2-3.5 Brennmassenrückstand (Anhebung auf 3g)
- A clear definition of “tealights” as follows:
These specific quality assurance and test specifications apply to tealights.
Tealights
- Have a fuel material mass with an outside diameter of 36–39 mm and a maximum height of 17 mm
- Do not contain additional fragrances, colours or beeswax
- are fired in a non-combustible container, e.g. made of metal, glass or plastic. The container prevents the fuel from leaking out
Within this scope, the “Tealights” product needs to meet the requirements of the Quality Mark for Candles.
Find out more
Approval of a major revision of QA and test specifications
- with clarification of the requirements for wicks
- and complete synchronisation of requirements for scented candles with IFRA standards
Coming into force and publication after approval by RAL (expected in September 2015).
Development of an app for the precise measurement of flame height during the entire burn time.
QA and test specifications amended
- Elimination of the minimum weight for tealights while maintaining the requirements for flame height and minimum burn time
- Definition of test methods to be used for paints and varnishes
Test programmes for alternative test methods for PAH and sulphur
Renewing the recognition of suppliers of
- candle fuels
- paints and varnishes
- wicks
- fragrances
Recognition ensures quality in the supply chain through
Supplier obligation to adhere to quality mark standards
Established QM systems of suppliers, monitored by Gütegemeinschaft Kerzen e. V.
For the first time, requirements for alternative fuels and fuel mixes more precisely defined, achieving an extremely low level of pollutant emissions and sustainable usability.
achieving an extremely low level of pollutant emissions and sustainable usability.
Requirements for paints and varnishes heightened.
Heightened requirements take into account
- public discussion
- Demands of NGOs, which were introduced as a quality mark standard in the absence of state regulations or were significantly stricter than state-defined threshold values
Further development and harmonization
- Further development of RAL-GZ 041
- 2nd European Candle Days in Potsdam
- Updating the harmonization of safety-related European candle standards with the General Product Safety Directive (No. 2001/95/EC)
Labeling and accreditation
- Labeling of candles with identification number
- Approval of suppliers by the Quality Association for Candles.
- Integration of the ban on phthalates in the confirmations of fragrance manufacturers
- 1st European Candle Days in Potsdam
Revision of the standards
- Revision of RAL-GZ 041 standards Annex I: UV stability, new requirements for wicks, amended requirements for paints
Expansion and recruitment
- Definition of the soot limit value for the candle quality mark
- Preparation of the European Quality Association for Candles
- Extension of the “RAL Quality Mark for Candles” to include the “RAL Quality Mark”
