Safer lighters in our shops? - BEUC

We note with satisfaction that, as of today, it will be forbidden to sell non child-resistant lighters and novelty lighters across the European Union. In May 2006 the Commission adopted an emergency measure which aimed to ban novelty lighters from the European market and to equip disposable lighters with a mechanism which would prevent young children from using them.

This constitutes a positive step towards a better protection of our children. Accidents linked to fires caused by children playing with lighters lead to between 1500 and 1900 injuries every year, of which 30 to 40 are fatal. The number of this type of accidents has already drastically fallen in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand since a similar measure was introduced in 1994.
 
Given that the ban is only temporary, it will have to be renewed by May 2008. We count on the Commission to revise some of the exemptions contained in the Decision, which we consider to be far too vague ("luxury" and refillable lighters are not covered for example) and we call on Member States and Market Surveillance Authorities to ensure that the Decision is strictly adhered to.
 
Monique Goyens, BEUC Director General, stated: "This Decision is a step in the right direction. However, we will stay vigilant regarding its implementation and we will try to ensure that the current exemptions will be removed when this ban is renewed." 
 
Stephen Russell, ANEC Secretary General, said: "The burden is now on industry to make sure it respects the Commission Decision and places only child resistant lighters on the market. But we need Member States to make the resources available to their national market surveillance and inspection authorities to ensure the ban is upheld.

The European Consumers' Organisation (BEUC) was created in 1962 by the consumer organisations of Belgium, Luxembourg, France, the Netherlands, Italy and Germany. After working together for a number of years, these organisations decided to create a European association, based in Brussels, right at the heart of Community policy. BEUC was a pioneer, one of the first lobbying organisations to set up base in the European capital in a bid to influence the decision-making process.