Innovations of the Quality Association for Candles
The Quality Association for Candles stands for quality and progress in candle manufacture.
Below you will find some of the innovations that we have implemented in recent years.
2020
The RAL Quality Mark for Candles as a European Warranty Mark
The RAL Quality Mark has been recognised 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
2019
Comprehensive spot checks in commercial sector for all pillar candles with RAL quality marks on a quarterly basis
2018
DEKRA tests iPad app for measuring flame height.
This measurement method may become a quality mark standard from 2020.
2017
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.
2016
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
2015
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)
- changes only for
- a new chapter 041/2, “Lights”
- A clear definition of “tealights” as follows:
3-1 Scope
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 burned in a non-combustible container, made e.g. of metal, glass or plastic. The container prevents the fuel from escaping
Within this scope, the “Tealights” product needs to meet the requirements of the Quality Mark for Candles.
Quality Assurance and Test Specifications for Candles — RAL-GZ 041
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.
2014
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
2013
Test programmes for alternative test methods for PAH and sulphur
Renewing the recognition of suppliers of
- candle fuels
- paints and varnishes
- wicks
- fragrances
Find out more
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.
2012
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