Quick export snapshot
India’s candle exports (HS 3406 – “candles, tapers and the like”) have ranged around US $72–92 million in recent years. Major destinations include the United States (roughly half the total), United Kingdom, Australia, France, Netherlands, Germany, and the UAE. Thousands of shipments and hundreds of exporters are active in this category.
Market size and growth trends
The overall Indian candle market is valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Research firms estimate the scented segment alone at about US $230 million, while the broader candle market is often placed in the US $700 million range for 2023–24. Premium and aromatherapy candles are the fastest-growing sub-segment, driven by gifting, wellness, and online retail.
Product types and quality attributes
Popular export types include container candles, votives and tea-lights, pillars, tapers, gel candles, and luxury hand-poured soy or beeswax blends. Buyers expect an even scent throw, consistent burn, clean combustion with low soot, and attractive packaging. High-end lines use natural wax blends, IFRA-compliant fragrance oils, and lead-free wicks.
India’s strengths
Manufacturers offer cost-competitive production and strong customization capabilities, making private-label or OEM projects feasible. There is a large base of experienced exporters already supplying the US, UK, and EU. Growth in eco-friendly and premium soy or beeswax candles aligns with global wellness and sustainability trends.
Points to watch
Natural waxes and fragrance oils can fluctuate in price, affecting margins on premium lines. Exporters must meet stringent regulations: IFRA limits on fragrance use, EU REACH and CLP chemical labeling, and U.S. safety and labeling standards. Proper documentation and testing are critical to avoid shipment rejections.
Practical export details
Candles generally ship under HS 3406 (common sub-code 34060010). Exporters send both bulk and retail-packed cartons by sea or air depending on urgency and value. Packaging must protect fragile glass containers and comply with buyer labeling requirements.
Compliance checklist
• Obtain IFRA compliance sheets from fragrance suppliers.
• Provide Safety Data Sheets and confirm REACH/CLP compliance for EU orders.
• Follow ASTM and U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission guidelines for wick safety, burn testing, and warning labels.
• Include clear ingredient lists, batch codes, country of origin, and safety warnings on retail packaging.
Opportunities for Indian exporters
Premium eco-friendly lines using soy, rapeseed, or beeswax appeal to boutique retailers and wellness brands. Private-label gift sets and custom fragrance collections are in high demand. Digital direct-to-consumer sales and small test batches can help validate new fragrances or packaging before scaling to large B2B orders.
