Thread: Product ban for "combustible candle holders"

In 2011 the ACCC listed a product ban for "combustible candle holders" so I made some enquiries with the ACCC about wood turned candle holders. My enquiry was about wooden candle holders which do not have a "non combustible candle cup." Their response was

"The issue you have raised relates to a material (wood) which may well burn over time, however in the context of a candle and a candle holder product, is not likely to be regarded as 'combustible'.

The ban refers to holders that combust, (which ignite or are inflammable) - that is, the candle burns down to such a level in the normal use of the product, that the heat from it is capable of igniting the material and keeping the flame burning continuously for five or more seconds. Wooden candle holders, especially those fitted with non combustible candle cups, are not likely to have the requisite combustibility, by igniting the material and it staying alight via the candle when it is used in the way it was designed, and thus would be unlikely to be captured by the ban."

They also went on to say

“Please note that the information provided here is offered by way of general guidance and does not constitute legal advice. The ACCC does not provide legal advice and you are encouraged to seek legal advice if the information provided is insufficient for your purposes.”

The key words above are “when it is used in the way it was designed” & "especially those fitted with non combustible candle cups." However there are plenty of civil suits where respondents have lost because the user made an “ID10T” error & a lawyer saw an opportunity to make both some money. I’m not confident that “tea lights” are safe in wood turned candle holders.

My take is that if you do not use a glass, metal or some other non combustible candle cup in your design you may well be taking a big risk. So I guess it’s up to each maker to decide if their candle holder designs are “safe.”

Combustible candle holders