Import of cigarette lighters under Rs. 20 banned, here's why
The government, on Thursday, decided to stop the import of cigarette lighters that cost less than ₹20 per unit. This ban applies to pocket lighters, whether they are fueled by gas and whether they are refillable or non-refillable. The purpose of this ban is to discourage the importation of these products into the country. Here's an explanation to understand the rationale behind the ban.
'Import free if CIF value ₹20 or above': DGFT
"The import policy of cigarette lighters... is revised from 'free' to 'prohibited'," the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) made the announcement in a notification. However, if the total value of a lighter, including its cost, insurance, and freight charges (known as CIF value), is ₹20 or more per lighter, then it can still be imported for free.
Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin's appeal
Last year in September, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin requested the central government to prohibit the use of single-use plastic cigarette lighters in order to support the local matchbox industry. These lighters, brought in from China and other countries, cost ₹10 and can replace 20 matchboxes. Moreover, they create a lot of plastic waste, harming the environment and affecting people's health, he urged.
Livelihoods of thousands are tied to the matchbox industry
In the dry areas of southern Tamil Nadu, where farming is difficult, the matchbox manufacturing industry is a crucial source of jobs. Due to the unfavorable agricultural conditions, many people rely on this traditional industry for their livelihood. More than a hundred thousand individuals, predominantly women, find employment in this sector, making it a vital source of income and support for the local community.
Stalin thanks union minister Piyush Goyal
'Matchbox industry earns ₹400 crore through exports': Stalin
"The industry is a vital engine of economic growth in a region that is arid for agriculture. You will be already aware that the matchbox industry earns foreign exchange revenue of around ₹400 crore through exports," Stalin noted in a letter to the Centre.
Matchbox industry faces stiff competition
Stalin explained that the export markets for the matchbox industry are facing challenges due to tough competition from Pakistan and Indonesia, disruptions in the supply chain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and increased input costs. Additionally, the domestic market is also declining because of the vast availability of Chinese single-use plastic cigarette lighters, which are priced at competitive rates (Rs. 10).
Moreover, single-use cigarette lighters contribute to plastic waste
Stalin emphasized that non-refillable lighters contribute to significant plastic waste, harming the environment and our overall health. In 2019, the authorities in Andaman and Nicobar Islands imposed a complete ban on their usage due to the environmental impact, as stated in a gazette notification. Furthermore, in the government's ban on 30 single-use plastic items in 2022, cigarette packets were also included.
