What is a Novelty or Toylike Lighter?
Novelty lighters are defined as “lighters that have features that make them attractive to children under five,” including “lighters with features entertaining to children, such as visual effects like flashing lights, or sound effects like musical notes.” The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) adopted a safety standard in 1994 requiring disposable cigarette lighters be manufactured to child resistant standards. This safety standard has been highly effective in reducing child fatalities nationwide. The standard also defined novelty lighters, although it did not prohibit the sale and distribution of lighters that look like toys.