Press Release: EU requires cigarette lighters to be child-resistant

The Commission Decision enhances consumer safety by requiring that, as of 14 March 2007, cigarette lighters that are dangerous to children are no longer placed on the European marketplace. The Decision requires Governments to ensure that common cigarette lighters placed on the EU market are child-resistant. It also forbids the placing on the market of lighters which resemble objects that are particularly attractive to children (also called "novelty lighters"). Luxury lighters are not covered by this ban but must still comply with the general safety requirements for these products.