Child-resistance rules for torches and lighters
Short answer. In the United States, cigarette lighters are covered by 16 CFR 1210 and multi-purpose lighters by 16 CFR 1212: a lighter must resist successful operation by at least 85% of a 100-child test panel. Long-reach utility lighters are also covered by ISO 22702 internationally. Confirm which rules apply to your models before importing.
US rules: 16 CFR 1210 and 1212
16 CFR 1210 covers disposable and novelty lighters; 16 CFR 1212 covers multi-purpose lighters such as long-nose utility lighters. Under both rules the product must resist successful operation by at least 85 percent of a 100-child test panel (children under 5). The child-resistant mechanism must work through the product's expected life, must not be easy to defeat and must reset automatically when the user lets go.
Each unit must carry a label identifying the manufacturer and the approximate date of manufacture, and a certificate of compliance must accompany each shipping unit.
International safety standards
ISO 9994 sets safety specifications for lighters: flame height limits (for example, non-adjustable post-mixing burner lighters at 50 mm maximum), resistance to dropping, elevated temperatures, internal pressure and continuous burning. ISO 22702 adds requirements for utility lighters, the long-reach type used for grills and stoves.
What to do before importing
- Confirm which category your models fall into in your market.
- Ask us which models have safety locks or child-resistant features.
- Plan the panel testing with a test lab early; it takes time.
General information only, not legal advice. Confirm requirements with your compliance adviser or test lab.