Govt restricts pocket lighter part imports

New Delhi: The government Sunday restricted the import of parts of pocket lighters with immediate effect. Their imports were free till now. The parts are mainly imported from China, Spain, Turkey and the UAE.

“Import of parts of pocket lighters, gas fuelled, non-refillable or refillable lighters (cigarette lighters)... is restricted with immediate effect,” the directorate general of foreign trade (DGFT) said in a notification.

These products can be imported only against a valid license meant for restricted imports. During April-July this fiscal, the import of lighter parts was $3.8 million. It was $4.86 million in 2023-24.


Imports of cigarette lighters, priced less than Rs 20, are already prohibited. The import ban is also there on pocket lighters, gas-fuelled, non-refillable or refillable.

Last year, the government also issued mandatory quality standard norms for flame-producing lighters with a view to contain import of sub-standard goods and boost domestic manufacturing.