Traders warned on new law on novelty lighters

East Sussex County Council's Trading Standards Service is reminding retailers that a European-wide ban on novelty and non-child resistant lighters came into force on March 11 and failure to comply is an offence.

The service says: "Cigarette lighters are hazardous, since they produce a flame or heat, and contain fuel. They pose a serious risk when misused by children.

"This is particularly true in the case of disposable lighters, which are sold in large numbers, often in multi-packs and used as low-value, throw-away products.

"Children may play with them and accidentally cause fires, serious injuries and deaths."

The ban covers lighters which are not child-resistant and lighters that resemble objects that are especially appealing to children such as toys, mobile phones food and cars and therefore present a high risk of misuse.

Councillor Bob Tidy, lead county cabinet member for community services, said the ban is aimed at reducing accidents, injuries and deaths caused by the misuse of lighters.

He said: "It's estimated that between 1,500 and 1,900 accidents and up to 40 deaths occur in the European Union every year due to fire-related accidents caused by children playing with lighters.

"Community safety is one or our highest priorities and we welcome the ban and the work that our Trading Standards team is doing to highlight the issue with businesses and local residents."

Child-resistant mechanisms exist to prevent accidents, and their use has been mandatory in the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand for ten years. The introduction of child-resistant requirements in the US resulted in a 60% reduction in the number of accidents.

Businesses which would like further information about the new requirements can contact the County Council's Trading Standards team for advice on 01323 418200.