It is not necessarily the risk involved but the perceived risk. You have to assume that whoever buys or uses your products is a moron. Think of a packet of peanuts, the packaging must state" may contain nuts"!!
The questions you should ask yourself is this,if someone dies or is injured as a result of one of your products can you.......
a.Live with the knowledge that you were responsible for that injury or some one dying?
b. Can you afford to lose your house if someone sues you?
c. Would you rather take the risk or be seen to be producing articles that conform to regulations? (And there will be regulations somewhere about everyproduct you sell.)
And remember, the minute you make your first item with the intention of selling it, you are deemed to be a manufacturer no matter where you sell, shops,craft fairs or church fetes it doesn't matter.
You mentioned using pine for a holder,some pines have a high sap content and when it burns,which it does very easily, it spits burning sap, just like mini napalm,so I would not use pine unless you can guarantee that won't happen.
Regards
John
BHT