Identify assembly line issues to improve final products

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Identify assembly line issues to improve final products

Conducting final quality checks at the end of production remains very popular; however, it loses its effectiveness and efficiency when used as the only criteria for identifying risk. Because the ultimate goal is not to find a faulty part but to avoid it occurring in the first place, waiting until the end of the manufacturing process to check for quality issues can cost you more.

Defects can vary in severity from minor appearance flaws to those critical to safety. Regardless, identifying these issues when the products are already complete will, on many occasions, require the production to be reworked, wasting time and materials. This can also lead to shipment delays and additional freight costs while impacting product reliability.

Instead of relying solely on Final Random Inspections, assessing the entire manufacturing process can significantly improve finished products. Common scenarios that impact final product outcomes include:

    1.  Incoming materials are not properly stored or inspected.
    2.  Workstations are not arranged well or correctly set up.
    3.  Operators perform processes against instructions.
    4.  Station workloads are unbalanced.
    5.  Parameters of test equipment and tools are incorrect.
    6.  The operator does not understand the product quality requirements. 
    7.  The inspection plans for outgoing goods or sample sizes are insufficient. 
    8.  Not enough quality controls during the inspection process.

Three examples of common assembly line issues

It is important to understand that the complexity of the manufacturing process will vary based on the type of product – and so will the risk. A more complicated product such as an automatic coffee machine or a steam oven, or a more complex assembly process, will most likely present a higher risk level. Other contributing elements include the maturity and knowledge of the factory, the actual capabilities of the production line, familiarity of the workers with the product requirements, and more.

Issues in the assembly line can lead to faulty products, which, in some instances, can be anticipated depending on the product’s nature. Examples include: 

Examples_AL_M

Identifying the root cause of an issue can be challenging, but it is critical to detect and prevent mistakes as soon as possible in the manufacturing process. Consider implementing this five-step practice internally:

  • Build a team to address the issue.
  • Identify the risks of the mistake.
  • Find the root cause.
  • Redesign the process based on the root cause.
  • Track the solution’s performance.

 At API, we can provide support to identify, assess, and improve manufacturing processes. Our dedicated In Production Process Assessment program takes an in-depth look at in-house procedures, from outsourced materials to final assembly. Some of the program’s benefits include:

  • Identification of good practices and opportunities for improvement
  • Improved critical processes
  • Improved customer satisfaction and reduced returns. 

Interested in learning more about how we can help your brand with a tailored assessment?

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Tips to alleviate disruption when shifting sourcing location

Reshoring, offshoring, and nearshoring: these were some of the most used terms in 2020 in numerous industries, including furniture. China continues to reign as the world’s manufacturing superpower and primary supplier of all varieties of goods, but companies have begun diversifying their supply chains in recent years and pursuing alternative manufacturing hubs. COVID-19 disruptions and the US–China trade war have acted as an accelerator in many cases, urging brands to look for manufacturing sources outside China.

China is the world’s manufacturing superpower

 Source: Statista ‘Top 10 Countries by share of global manufacturing output 2018’

The global furniture industry has been seeking sourcing alternatives to China for several years already, with some manufacturing countries outside China reinforcing their position and becoming a bigger part of manufacturing production volume for some brands. Some of the countries preferred by brands and retailers include Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, India, and Indonesia in Asia, Poland in Central Europe, and Mexico in Latin America. New countries mean new opportunities, but they also come with new risks. When relocating parts of production out of China, the risks include:
  • Inadequate production planning and status: When working with new suppliers, some factories may not operate at their full capacity or might have inadequate planning, making it difficult to meet production targets. It is important to check your factory records to see how many actual people are in the production line, as well as daily output and quality control reports.
  • Rushing production: With relation to the above and to ensure correct timing, some suppliers may rush to make up for lost time, tempting them to cut corners and speed up processes. This can lead to mistakes and skipping quality control measures that put the entire production at risk.
  • Raw materials shortage: New manufacturing countries do not always benefit from the same access to raw materials as China. This may result in a shortage of some materials such as specific types of wood, stone, or components, or longer delivery times.
  • Lack of quality control to ensure safety and quality: A lack of local teams onsite or experienced factory employees may decrease the level of quality control, putting product safety and production quality at risk.

How can these risks be mitigated?

The concept of shifting production to areas outside China was already on the table before the US–China trade war and COVID-19-related pressures. However, these recent issues have broadened and escalated the topic’s relevance, with many companies now considering moving ‘out of China.’ Diversifying production areas and pursuing alternative locations can help secure additional inventory and capacity. However, launching production in a new area can be challenging without the right experience or teams in that specific area. A third-party company can support brands and retailers with adapted solutions that facilitate a smooth transition that protects production quality. The crises and disruptions experienced by supply chains in recent months may be the catalyst for revisiting a more global supply chain strategy and accelerating the adoption of new models and capabilities. However, in the meantime, short-term actions are needed to respond to these challenges.

3 tips to alleviate disruption when shifting sourcing locations

Tips from a manufacturing perspective include:
  1. Increasing workforce visibility and labor planning: Having stronger visibility over actual factories and suppliers is vital to ensure production is completed on time and with the expected quality of goods.
  2. Understanding the key suppliers: Whether the orders only represent a small portion of one factory’s production lines or are flooding the lines with goods makes a significant difference in how to best interact with that factory.
  3. Increasing supply chain transparency and carefully selecting the right suppliers: It is essential that you work only with the most suitable suppliers for your production needs.

Supporting our customers with our manufacturing expertise

At API, we are putting our manufacturing experience and product expertise at the disposal of our clients to help them adjust during this challenging time. Thanks to the agility and flexibility of our teams and our local infrastructure, we speedily implement onsite solutions that respond to each clients’ particular needs. Our dedicated technician program will act as an extension of your teams onsite to ensure your products meet your safety and quality requirements. We provide support through all stages of the supply chain, from initial development and supplier selection, through the manufacturing phases, and across production safety and quality control. For example: Interested in learning more about how we can support you in new sourcing locations?
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Toy compliance: best practices to save time and stress

In the current landscape, uncertainty is still impacting many companies worldwide and the toy industry is no different. While some brands are thriving, many are facing unprecedented disruption levels, suffering from the effects of a reduced qualified workforce, delayed shipments, unsteady demand, and increased pressure to accelerate their time to market. One of the primary concerns these companies share is ensuring their products’ compliance, with chemical risks remaining one of the most problematic areas.

Chemical risk alerts on toys continue to be prominent each year, with the identification of many banned chemicals that pose serious risks to children’s health. Similar to previous years, in 2019, 47% of alerts about toys in Europe (RAPEX) indicated a chemical risk. One of the more common risks observed for the past few years has been the presence of phthalates in the plastics used to make dolls.

image-png-Mar-30-2021-04-11-17-08-AM

Source: RAPEX 2019

In this challenging context, where compliance challenges meet time to market pressures, anticipating and preventing these risks is crucial.

How can we ensure compliance while improving time to market?
Travel restrictions and numerous logistical and production uncertainties are adding additional pressure to supply chains and slowing down some of their processes. Validating samples has become a lengthier process in many cases. With many brands’ in-house teams unable to be onsite due to travel restrictions, a great deal of time is being spent in back-and-forth exchanges between factories and brands.

One of the most feared – and too-common – moments is being surprised with a ‘FAIL’ result in a pre-shipment test at the last minute, when timelines are tight.

Continuing the plastic dolls example, how can a brand anticipate risks and avoid this significant issue right before the shipment? The answer is simple: to anticipate risks as early as possible.

Instead of testing the PVC doll, brands and retailers can move upstream to, for example, track and test the PVC input and ensure it’s coming from an approved source. Where do the pellets originate? Who is the plastic supplier? This means taking a step back to evaluate the supplier’s performance based on the finished product and their processes and materials.

At API, we can help brands and retailers shorten their time to market with our onsite support and remote solutions, acting on behalf of brands onsite and guiding in-house teams remotely with our technical expertise. Our experts in Asia and Europe act as bridges between brand teams and factories, connecting your unique requirements with technical teams in the local language.

Some of our expert solutions for toys along the entire supply chain include:

Interested in learning more about our toy solutions?

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Safer toys: Managing risks from the early stages

2020 was a challenging year for most industries, driving companies to adapt and disrupt their habits and ways of doing business. Despite this, the global toy industry maintained stronger-than-expected performance, with parents and grandparents looking for new ways to keep children entertained at home.

This extraordinary context, however, brought unexpected pressures to supply chains – including shortages of qualified workers, limited access to materials, difficulties in performing quality checks, and more – adding to the existing challenge of meeting stringent regulations while ensuring the timely delivery of finished goods that meet consumer expectations. Regardless of changing circumstances, the responsibilities of toy- and children-related industries remain the same: guaranteeing the safety of products to ensure that little ones always ‘play safe’.

Despite global authorities and consumer associations putting vulnerable young consumers’ safety first, many risks and non-compliances are being uncovered. In Europe alone, toys were again the most notified product in 2019, representing 29% of RAPEX alerts.

Source: RAPEX 2019 Annual Report

Today, the importance of adopting measures at the earliest stages of production is more crucial than ever, enabling brands to anticipate risks before production even begins to avoid ‘fail’ results in pre-production tests – or even worse – in pre-shipment tests. This can not only help brands save time and money but also prevent the feared product recall and consequent negative impacts.

Many precautions can be taken to secure the supply chain and reduce risks throughout the production process, such as factory audits, in-line inspections, and in-production assessments. However, some measures that can be adopted before production even starts, allowing brands to anticipate risks at the earliest stages.

Leveraging product and manufacturing expertise

At API, our product and manufacturing expertise – acquired daily, on the ground – allows us to identify and anticipate risks before they reach the production line. Our toy experts can guide and assess your teams from the design and prototype stages, helping you manage risks and make your products safer. We work closely with toy committees, keeping up to date with changes in standards and regulations and receiving the latest news on current areas of concern and hot industry topics.

Example


Some of our preventive solutions for toys in our laboratories in Asia and Europe include:

  • Product Validation Report: An exhaustive report highlighting golden sample specifications and flagging critical points that could represent a safety or quality risk. Also assesses the functionality and performance from an end-user’s perspective and provides in-depth evaluation of the toy marking.
  • Collection Review: A product review in the showroom that includes identifying risks and non-conformity of mechanical issues and advice from our experts and recommendations on product amelioration.
  • Risk Assessment on design or prototype: A risk evaluation at the initial stages of development, which identifies any critical areas for improvement and provides expert recommendations for increased product safety.
  • Marking verification: A review of regulatory markings and instruction manuals adapted to the appropriate age grade.
  • Recommendations on performance and fit-for-play: Adapted, tailor-made protocols that simulate the child’s use of and interest in the toy.
  • Pre-production test

Our experts can help you find the right solution for your needs in anticipating toy production risks.

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Collect the right data for product compliance with our I-TCF

Data has undoubtedly been one of this year’s most repeated words when discussing how to make supply chains more resilient. Collecting, sharing and analyzing the right data can enable the entire supply chain to run more efficiently thanks to more informed decisions. In the context of quality control, data remains one of the basics.

COVID-19 has brought unprecedented challenges to supply chains and highlighted the importance of increased visibility and agility to maintain product safety and quality. Ensuring product compliance with each market’s standards and regulations remains a key obligation of brands and retailers, but guaranteeing every document’s validity and accuracy is a tedious task.

Collecting the right information about a product to prove compliance with the latest applicable standards and regulations is time-consuming at best. On top of this already arduous task, brands and retailers must remain aware of changes in standards and regulations for numerous product references in their portfolio, which can be labor-intensive and prone to errors.

The I-TCF teams at API experienced that nearly one in three documents collected are not compliant and need additional follow-up steps to complete the TCF file according to requirements and establish the product’s conformity.

Documents_TCF_W

API’s team of experts can support companies in preparing a ‘digital ID’ of each product with our I-TCF solutions (Product Integrity and Technical Compliance File). This digital ID helps verify product compliance and includes key information such as applicable protocols, document validation or rejection, and validity over time. In addition to our experts’ regulatory guidance, brands appreciate the minimal investment required, enjoy a higher degree of control with our clear digital platform, and are ultimately ready to provide the valid required documentation in cases of custom verification. 

With more than 15 years’ experience developing I-TCF solutions, we can help brands and retailers save time and money on this task. We offer support with:

  • Defining the relevant scope of compliance
  • Collecting and quickly validating a high volume of documents

Interested in finding out more about how our I-TCF solutions can help your brand?

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Complement Your Own Team

The uncertain ‘new normal’ we’re facing is forcing companies around the world to adopt strategies and contingency plans that address new practical challenges, such as the reduction of workforces and international travel restrictions. However, companies need to think about the effects these changes will have on their consumers and minimize any potential negative impacts on these important relationships. Ensuring the same levels of safety and quality while guaranteeing an efficient time-to-market is critical. The consumer products and retail industry is already changing to align with these issues through speed, cost reduction, and customer focus.

 

Most commonly cited reasons for changes due to COVID-19 in ‘Consumer Products and Retail’ industry

3 reasons_COVID19

Source: McKinsey & Company, ‘The need for speed in the post-COVID-19 era – and how to achieve it’ survey, September 2020

 

But how to achieve a customer-centered strategy with an enhanced time-to-market while considering cost-reduction needs at the same time? Some of the elements required when workforces are limited and travel is restricted are:

  • Increased flexibility
  • Faster response
  • Complementary know-how

 

An Extension of Your Own Team

To support companies in their path toward the new normal, API is cooperating with brands and retailers’ internal quality and audit teams to complement them on-demand with a 360° approach to quality that provides optional solutions.



Our complementary technical support

API’s complementary technical support allows companies to benefit from additional support only when and where it’s needed with the flexibility to adapt as required. Some of the added value of our solutions include:

  • Complementary technical solutions related to quality management: larger capabilities + deeper and upstream support (eg., remote golden sample validation with techno-visualization to assist locally during the product development stage).
  • Extended geo coverage: delivering ‘A to Z’ services with dedicated support in areas where clients are not present and that are not easy not easy to travel to. 
  • Additional expertise in specific product categories: complementary knowledge and additional areas of expertise

Interested in learning more about our specific solutions?

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Remote Support: An On-site Extension of Your Teams

In the current context of travel disruption, the ‘normal practices’ adopted by many companies until now need to be reassessed. Brands and retailers must be present in factories in many cases to oversee requirements, including the evaluation of prototypes, the review of samples at the pre-production or production stage, and the selection of items for new collections. But how can companies achieve this given the current travel restrictions and without teams on-site? Occasionally, factories can send samples to the quality teams closest to them or even to the head office. However, in most circumstances, this solution would be too costly and time-consuming. To facilitate a quick decision process and speedy time-to-market, API has harnessed the latest video technology to develop a series of remote solutions. Chair_W
Assess and approve your pre-production samples live or utilize a critical eye on-site during product selection, guided by the latest technology by our team of experts

Our solutions AT THE INITIAL PRODUCT LEVEL include:

Product sample review and validation
  • Full and precise evaluation of prototype sample, engineering sample or golden sample
  • Quality check at early stage to allow further corrections and improvement
Collection review in showroom via video call at the moment of product selection:
  • Sample review
  • Conformity / non-conformity identification on mechanical issues
  • Risks & issues anticipation
  • Recommendations for amelioration
Some of the benefits of our remote solutions are:
  • Guidance by a team of experts on-site
  • Possibility to follow live, real-time events at factory / showroom through the latest technology
  • Quality and compliant products
  • Faster time-to-market vs. international shipments for approval
  • Support though all manufacturing stages
Thanks to our in-depth manufacturing knowledge and boots-on-the-ground experience, we guide you through the most critical decision processes and support you remotely with the latest technology. API puts our teams of experts at your disposal who specialize in different product categories to support all your needs remotely. Interested in learning more about how we can support you remotely with these or other solutions?
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How safe is your kitchenware?

The kitchen utensils and cookware industry is highly regulated, with strict safety standards to ensure the health and safety of consumers. Chemicals present in what’s known as ‘food contact materials’ are known to potentially migrate and contaminate the food they come into contact with, creating risks for consumer health.

How can consumers therefore be sure that the container in which they are storing their food is safe? Or that the mug they are drinking coffee from is not releasing harmful chemicals? In most countries worldwide, all food contact products must comply with the applicable regulations governing the most common materials used and the product’s intended use.

The rules to follow depend on the material and country. For example, items sold in the EU and the US must comply with regulations such as the EC No. 1935/2004 in the EU or the FDA 21 CFR in the US, which cover the most common materials such as plastics, silicone and rubbers, metals and alloys, ceramics, wood, paper and board, varnishing and end coating, and more. Different criteria will apply if the container is plastic or ceramic, for instance, but also if it is intended to be used for aqueous food such as water or coffee, acidic foods like juice, or alcoholic beverages such as beer or wine, and if the container is designed for a single or repeated use.

Risks can still be identified after the products arrive on the market, even for major brands, which not only put the brand’s image at risk but can also generate additional costs if there are product recalls or fines. Some major brands were the object of product recalls last year, such as a major international furniture and décor brand that recalled a mug from the market which was potentially migrating excessive levels of dibutyl phthalate (DBP).

On top of the chemical risks, kitchen accessories have some associated physical risks related to fatigue, corrosion, and heat resistance as well as thermal hazards. They also must perform according to their expected use; for example, if they are intended to be microwave- or dishwasher-resistant, they will need to handle heat or water without breaking or suffering damage. While this may seem straightforward, physical risks are also frequently identified in the market for kitchenware articles. More common recalls include a heightened risk of injury and burns because of a container breaking under heat exposure or laceration hazards due to product cracks.

Meticulous quality checks and in-depth regulatory knowledge are critical, as well as ensuring you work with the right suppliers and maintain strict controls throughout product development and manufacturing. It is vital to understand each factory’s capacities, the origin of the materials used, and that the design is being precisely followed. To improve overall product quality, a factory audit can help you understand and optimize a factory’s capabilities, including:

  • Quality management
  • Product development 
  • Incoming quality control 
  • Production process control 
  • Finished product quality control 
  • Resources management 
  • Stock management 
  • Measuring & testing equipment control 

The kitchen utensils and accessories industry is also highly competitive. Numerous brands compete for consumer attention with constant overhauls of their range and, in many cases, a price battle. This adds further considerations to the equation, such as the importance of innovation and fit-for-use to bring products to the market that meet consumer expectations.

In this challenging environment in which supply chains are under pressure and shipping delays put delivery times at risk, ensuring product quality and safety before the end of production is key, so you ‘get it right the first time’.

API’S SPECIALIZED SOLUTIONS FOR KITCHENWARE

API helps brands and retailers ensure the safety, quality, and performance of their kitchenware with our tailor-made solutions. Some of our key areas of support include:

  • Laboratory testing: Testing according to EU/US or country-based directives to maintain chemical and physical safety as well as testing with specific protocols to ensure performance and fit-for-use.
  • Product development support: Identification of critical areas and recommendations for adjustment at the design or purchase stage.
  • Technical Compliance File: Documentary review that attests product compliance according to protocol definitions, from document collection and verification to report issuance.
  • Factory audits: Factory evaluations that assess factory capabilities to meet production standards and deliver safe products on time.
  • Dedicated programs: Bespoke programs based on each client’s needs that provide support at every stage of the supply chain.

Interested in learning more about API’s kitchenware solutions?

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0% risk of unexpected chemicals with Chem Scan Check™

Did you know that around 80% of chemicals in Asia are either produced locally or come from unknown sources? There are no guarantees that some of these chemicals don’t contain traces of hazardous substances, making your products and supply chains vulnerable. In 2020, one in four imported products were found to be non-compliant with REACH and CLP*, with most cases focused on the presence of the restricted substances cadmium, lead, and nickel.

 

While uncertainty around chemical composition can be toxic for consumer confidence in general, brands and retailers have different setups, needs, and levels of awareness regarding compliance, risk, and sustainability:

  • Some have mature testing programs in place and are responsive to existing pressures in their market. These companies would still benefit from a single test that can detect hundreds of substances with fast results, attractive pricing, strong service support, and the advantage of monitoring low-performing vendors and empowering high-performing vendors.
  • Other companies focus on finished products only, meaning that when they detect a risky substance, it’s often too late to cancel the order. Testing articles when they’re finished or late in the process may lead to reproducing the entire line of articles and retesting, which can blow out budgets.
  • Some companies have no system in place and no chemical or regulatory expertise but still want to offer the end-user a secure product. Generally speaking, all companies want to be more compliant and transparent.

 

As the use of recycled materials in products increases, the possibility of these materials containing unknown substances follows suit. Overall, better fashion begins with a bigger commitment to detect and address issues from the beginning, leading to less impact on the environment and society, empowering the best-performing suppliers, and focusing time and money on where the risks are high.

 

Our new solution: Chem Scan Check™

To support our partners in optimizing their testing strategies, we developed Chem Scan Check™ (CSC), which scans for more than 285 hazardous chemical substances in one go. Instead of waiting for a pass/fail outcome for expected chemicals with a traditional testing approach, we offer our partners insight into the potentiality of 285 chemicals that may be present—including those you wouldn’t usually look for in a regular test.

What does Chem Scan Check™ offer that’s different?

While our Worms Safety network proudly offers 15 laboratories globally for traditional testing methods, our broader goal is to enable our customers to anticipate risks, identify root causes, and instill a more innovative, proactive approach.

  • One test, 285 substances: Chem Scan Check™ brings to the market one test run instead of the full substance list test. With only 5g of material, you can receive a screening result in accordance with the AFIRM restricted substance list for your textiles or plastics within 72 hours—and at a cost level that makes sense. The innovative technology is applicable to all products containing plastics and textiles; however, our current scope focuses on textiles, apparel, footwear, and home textiles, including sensitive products such as baby wear.
  • Increased visibility for better business: As Chem Scan Check™ offers greater visibility over product lines, it is an excellent opportunity to achieve company strategies that are not restricted by common test parameters.
  • End-to-end solution: A key advantage of Chem Scan Check™ is that it’s applicable across the entire life cycle—from raw materials to semi-finished products to finished products—monitoring recycled materials and certified materials.
  • Customizable and adaptable: While it’s highly beneficial across the entire supply chain, CSC is a customizable concept that can address specific focus points, such as monitoring within a vendor empowerment program or complementing sustainability strategies with a scientific method.

 

Chem Scan Check™ in action

We have already experienced cases in which sensitive products such as baby wear passed a risk-based RSL test, but our Chem Scan Check (CSC) detected a non-compliance. In another case, CSC found prohibited chemicals—including phthalates and PAH—in rubber pet toys, which were possibly used to give the toys a flexible, plastic feel. In another instance, CSC detected exotic fertilizer (diammonium phosphate) within a teddy bear. The brand then uncovered that the new supplier they were working with was using local chemicals that contained the fertilizer.

 

Why 285 chemicals?

Chem Scan Check™ can actually check for more than 285 substances. Currently, over 500 substances are calibrated with external standards. However, while Chem Scan Check uses powerful solvents and equipment, there is a limitation to organic substances. Each substance in the screening process also needs to be validated with extensive research to ensure repeatability and accuracy, so we have initially focused on supporting the textile industry in relation to the AFIRM RSL. At the moment, Chem Scan Check™ in combination with additional tests for heavy metals and formaldehyde can cover 100% of substances listed under AFIRM.


Which chemicals are covered by Chem Scan Check™?
  • Phthalates
  • PAHs
  • Azo dyes
  • Disperse dyes
  • Short/middle-chained chlorinated paraffins
  • PCP
  • VOCs
  • Alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEOs, NPEOs, OPEO)
  • Dimethylfumarate (DMFu)
  • PFOA
  • And more

To cover completed RSL lists, other tests like heavy metals and formaldehyde will be tested separately.


How can Chem Scan Check™ (CSC) integrate with your chemical strategy?
  • Superior sustainability: CSC will complement your existing recycled materials testing, facilitating broader claims with the assurance that your products contain 0% of unexpected non-compliant substances.
  • Tighter risk control: CSC allows you to test more substances that you wouldn’t usually look for, generating greater visibility and reducing risk.
  • Test new areas: CSC can cover the entire life cycle of your products and will invite you to consider new testing areas of focus, such as raw materials.
  • Customizable for vendor empowerment: CSC enables you to award greater autonomy to your best-performing suppliers by allowing for random, limited checks instead of one-size-fits-all testing.
  • Preparedness for new regulations: CSC will ensure you are ready for new regulations that require increased visibility and control over substances that may be present in your products.

 

What are the product applications?
  • Unknown source chemicals
  • Chemical cocktails
  • Recycled materials
  • Sensitive products

 

*According to an ECHA report: https://echa.europa.eu/-/1-in-4-imported-products-found-to-be-non-compliant-with-reach-and-clp

 

Click here for more information about Chem Scan Check™.

Interested in finding out how Chem Scan Check™ can improve your chemical management performance?

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New European standards for outdoor candles

In December 2021, two new European standards for outdoor candles were published to help ensure a reasonable degree of safety during their use: “EN 17616:2021 Outdoor candles – Specification for fire safety” and “EN 17617:2021 Outdoor candles – Product safety labels.”

These documents specify requirements, testing methods, and labeling requirements for the fire safety of candles intended to be burned outdoors. The European standards will be given the status of a national standard, either by the publication of an identical text or by endorsement, by latest June 2022, and conflicting national standards will be withdrawn by latest June 2022.

The major new requirements for outdoor candles include:

Container candles

  • The candle shall not tip over when tested on a slope of 10°
  • The wind resistance shall have a value > 1
  • The temperature at the surface below the container shall not exceed 350°C
  • No secondary ignition shall occur for more than 10 seconds
  • The container shall not ignite or break during testing
  • The container shall not burn for longer than 15 seconds on average and 30 seconds in any individual test during the testing
  • The container shall not be completely burned away during testing
  • The candle shall not spontaneously relight after extinguishing 

Freestanding candles

  • The candle shall not tip over when tested on a slope of 10°
  • No secondary ignition shall occur for more than 10 seconds
  • The candle shall not spontaneously relight after extinguishing

 

Garden torches

  • Shall be designed to be set up and stay in a stable manner
  • No secondary ignition shall occur for more than 10 seconds
  • No burning or smoldering material shall fall off during testing
  • Candles placed on a stick shall also meet the requirements relevant for the respective candle type, except stability

 

Floating candles

  • No secondary ignition shall occur for more than 10 seconds
  • The candle shall not spontaneously relight after extinguishing


Mandatory supplementary safety information (symbols or text)

  • For outdoor use only.
  • Never leave a burning candle unattended.
  • Keep a distance of min. x m beside and y m above to things that can catch fire.
  • Keep away from children and pets.
  • Use a heat-resistant base. (Not mandatory if the container itself has a heat-resistant base)
  • Candle gets lighter during burning, protect from strong wind by using a suitable holder.” (For container candles that didn’t comply with the wind resistance requirement as specified in EN 17616)
  • Only use at cemeteries outdoors. (For grave lights only)
  • Use in a suitable bowl filled with water. (For Floating candles only)

Layout of the product safety label:


At API, we can support our customers to comply with these or other requirements for candles to further secure the safety and quality of your products.

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