Another call for withdrawal of 'novelty lighters'

The Malta Standards Authority (MSA) has reiterated its order for the immediate withdrawal of a number of illegal, non-refillable cigarette lighters, termed novelty lighters, which it said are unsafe, especially for children.

Should these lighters not be immediately recalled from the market, the Market Surveillance Directorate within the Malta Standards Authority will be stepping up its actions, as stipulated by law, to withdraw such products, the Authority said.

The MSA said that Decision 2006/502/EC of the European Commission prohibits the placing on the market of these lighters due to their inherent characteristics.

These lighters normally come in the shape of a toy, cartoon character, musical instrument, human body or parts of a human body, play musical notes or have flashing lights or other child appealing or entertainment features.

Such features make these lighters appealing to children who may injure themselves by using them. All non-refillable lighters found on the markets are required to be certified as being child resistant, the MSA said.

Retail outlets which have such lighters are requested to stop their sale immediately and to contact the agent through whom they have been acquired to ensure a prompt recall of these lighters.