JA2009 - Lighters 2

Reports from EU Member States indicate that novelty lighters constitute a decreasing share of their markets, however the results of the first PROSAFE Joint Action on lighters did in fact show that a large share of the lighter models on the European market still do not comply with the legal requirements. This observation has also been emphasised by European stakeholders that repeatedly stressed the need for a long-term engagement of commitment from the Member States to clean up the market.

Therefore, PROSAFE and Market surveillance authorities from 13 EU Member State countries decided to carry out a second Joint Action on lighters which follows-up on the previous PROSAFE Joint Action undertaken by 15 member states in the years 2007-2009. For further information, please click here.

The participating authorities have developed a guideline to support them decide on appropriate measures against non-compliant lighters taking the principle of proportionality into account. The Guideline provides one input to this process that will have to be combined with other input such as information from the economic operator, the market situation, the product’s track record, the business’ track record, exposure, etc. etc. The guideline does not bind Member States that will always have to evaluate the specific circumstances in each specific case.

The Member States in the Joint Action have also developed a Guideline to importers of lighters from third countries. The guideline describes legislation, standards, pitfalls and other useful information for lighter importers.

The Final Implementation Report of this Joint Action is available and provides information about the activities undertaken, the participants involved, the results obtained and a financial statement comparing all expenditures against the budget. This project has been executed under the 2009 call for tender and the reporting requirements may differ from actions granted under calls outlined in other years.

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