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• From the 11 March 2007 there is a ban on the placing on the European market of novelty lighters and lighters without a child-resistant mechanism. This only affects those who import or manufacture cigarette lighters.
• Retailers can, for the time being, continue to sell non child-resistant lighters and novelty lighters already in the supply chain, but it is very likely they will be totally banned after 11 March 2008.

‘Already in the supply chain’ means that the imported lighters have cleared Customs, and lighters made in the EU have left the manufacturer and are ready for general distribution.

Retailers may still be able to buy non child-resistant lighters from your wholesaler or supplier. These, and existing stock can legally be sold to the public, until the total ban comes in. However, all cigarette lighters sold must be safe and meet the requirements of the standard EN 9994:1996 or a later version.

If re-stocking with child-resistant lighters, retailers must be able to show a Trading Standards Officer where those lighters came from, if asked.

A useful booklet on child-resistant and novelty lighter requirements has been issued by BIS - Department for Business Innovation & Skills (formally BERR).

or by phoning 0845 015 0010 and quoting reference URN 06/2116.

Lighters are consumer products which are inherently hazardous, since they produce a flame and contain a fuel. They pose a serious risk when
misused by children and have caused a number of deaths and injuries across the EU.

A decision was made by the European Commission, which has been introduced into the UK, to ensure that only child resistant lighters are placed onto the European market and also to prohibit the sale of novelty lighters.

Implications for manufacturers and importers

Must retain documentation demonstrating that the lighters comply with the relevant standards

Lighters must be child resistant i.e. cannot be operated by a child under 51 month

• No novelty lighter can be placed on the European market for the first time. A novelty lighter:
• Is appealing to children younger than 51 months;
• May have entertaining audio effects or animated effects;-
• May have flashing lights, moving objects or other entertaining features;
• May be of appealing shape or form e.g. toys, food and human body parts; or Includes lighter holders.

Lighters must still continue to meet the safety specifications detailed in BS EN ISO 9994:2006,

as well as the additional child resistant requirements laid down in BS EN 13869: 2002.

Implications for retailers and wholesalers

• Required to keep, and to show on request by their local authority Trading Standards authority, documentation identifying the party from whom they obtained their supply of lighters.
• Lighters must be properly marked before they can be sold to consumers.

What is exempt?

It is mandatory for all lighters to comply with BS EN ISO 9994 - lighter safety standard, however all lighters except the following must also comply with the child-resistance safety requirements of the Decision.

• Lighters with a specific purpose e.g. barbecue and utility lighters;
• Lighters which are sold with a 2 year written guarantee, are refillable and can be repaired by a European-based after-sales service.

There are no exceptions for novelty lighters; all supply is prohibited.

Lighters which are printed with logos or have shrink wrapped artwork are not classed as novelty lighters.

What simple tests can be carried out to ensure the lighter meets the safety requirements?

• Take a look at the lighter, does it resemble a novelty lighter:
  • A shape or form that is appealing to children under 51 months;
  • Entertaining effects.
• Check that all lighters are accompanied with the appropriate safety information and the specific word “WARNING” in close proximity. Along with the relevant safety information, it should also contain the statements
• KEEP AWAY FROM CHILDREN” and “Ignite lighter away from face and clothing”.
• Check that each lighter is marked with the time period of manufacture, this can be in code, and that the manufacturer can be identified.
• Press the ignition system to check for child resistance. Consider whether a child of 51 months or younger would be able to operate it.