Consumer Product Safety

NITE Alert_50

July 16, 2002

Safety alert on handling imported aromatic candles

The National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NITE) issued “NITE Alert No.39", released on July 23, 2001, concerning “Aromatic Candles" used in aroma therapy, etc, promoting awareness of general cautions relevant to all aromatic candles. However, NITE has recently received accident information associated with some imported candles manufactured in France. Following the results of an investigation conducted by NITE, these products are now considered high-risk, and this alert has been issued to promote awareness and prevent any recurrence of accidents.

1. Outline of accident

A user lit a candle without removing the transparent plastic film covering the wax. The candle burst into flame approximately 5 minutes later, resulting in fire damage to the table top, tatami mat and cushion.

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2. Product details

Details of the product are as follows. There are other candle holder shapes such as wine-glass, etc.
The product consists of real flowers inside a candle holder filled with a transparent gel wax. The surface of the wax is covered with a transparent plastic film and a wick protrudes through the center of the film.

  • 1)Manufacturer: SUBLITEC (France)
  • 2)Importer: Art Print Japan Co., Ltd. (Tokyo)


Photo #1 External appearance


Photo #2 Descriptions on film
(Safety precaution is indicated in the bracket)

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3. Product hazard

As shown in Photo #3, it is necessary to remove the transparent film before lighting the candle. However, uses may inadvertently light the candle without removing the film because the relevant caution is indicated in French and the wick protrudes through the film (as shown in Photo #2) Lighting the candle without removing the film may cause a major flare-up resulting in extensive fire damages.


Photo #3 Film

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4. Efforts taken by importer

The importer has been promoting consumer awareness at distributors after learning of the risk posed by this product.
Products sold after May 20 come with the following warning message in Japanese alerting users to the risk.

  • Remove all external and surface films from the candle completely and always use on a non-flammable surface.
  • This product contains natural flowers. Extinguish the flame before it reaches the flower to avoid ignition.
  • Do not use the candle near flammable items or use on objects which may fall over
  • Never leave burning candles unattended.
  • Always make sure the candle is out completely before going to bed or going out.
  • Use the candle out of reach of children and pets.
  • Always make sure the candle is out completely and do not touch the holder until it is cool.
  • Do not put the gel wax in mouth.
  • This product is not edible.
  • Do not use the candle for any purpose other than the intended purpose.

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5. Safety alert

With regards to this product, please pay particular attention to the underlined cautions indicated in section 4. There is information that the products are also imported and sold by other importers. Similar products film covering the wax surface may cause similar accidents. Due caution should be exercised at all times.

Fore more information;
National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NITE)
Product Safety Technology Center, Product Safety Investigation Division

Contact us

 Consumer Product Safety Public Relations Division  Product Safety Technology Center  National Institute of Technology and Evaluation
Phone number:+81-6-6612-2066
Fax number:+81-6-6612-1617
Address:1-22-16 Nankokita, Suminoe-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka 5590034, Japan MAP