The South Korean government has approved guidelines allowing bakeries to provide complimentary birthday candles with cake purchases. (Image courtesy of Pixabay)
SEOUL, Feb. 20 (Korea Bizwire) — In a move to ease burdensome regulations, the South Korean government has approved guidelines allowing bakeries to provide complimentary birthday candles with cake purchases, addressing a peculiar regulatory oversight that had technically criminalized the common practice.
Until now, birthday candles were classified as “household chemical products,” making their distribution — even when given away for free or sold in smaller quantities — subject to mandatory reporting requirements. Violations could result in up to three years in prison or fines of up to 30 million won.
The Ministry of Environment announced that it will publish new guidelines on February 20, titled “Guidelines on the Sale of Safe Household Chemical Products in Smaller Quantities.” The guidelines specifically address illumination (birthday) candles, liquid laundry detergents, and fabric softeners — everyday items deemed to pose minimal safety risks.
The regulatory change comes after persistent criticism that criminalizing the traditional practice of providing birthday candles with cakes was impractical. The situation had become particularly problematic with the emergence of bounty hunters who would report violations for reward money.
Under the previous regulations, bakeries giving away candles with cakes were legally required to verify compliance with safety and labeling standards under the Chemical Products Safety Act. In response to mounting pressure for reform, the Ministry of Environment submitted a proposal last May to permit the distribution and gifting of candles in smaller quantities.
The ministry emphasized that the new guidelines do not extend to scented candles, which remain subject to existing regulations. Officials have also prepared safety guidelines for the distribution of candles and liquid detergents in smaller quantities.
“These new guidelines are the result of rational regulatory reform that incorporates diverse feedback from small business owners and consumers,” said Park Yeon-jae, director of the Environmental Health Bureau. “We will continue to improve our regulatory framework to enhance product safety while reducing unnecessary restrictions on businesses and consumers.”
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
