The Directorate General of Foreign Trade ( DGFT ) has issued an immediate restriction on the import of parts for pocket lighters, both non-refillable and refillable, under HS Code 96139000.
This action comes in exercise of powers under Section 3 and Section 5 of the Foreign Trade ( Development & Regulation ) Act, 1992, in conjunction with Paragraphs 1.02 and 2.01 of the Foreign Trade Policy ( FTP ) 2023, as amended. The amendment affects the import of parts for gas-fueled cigarette lighters, which now falls under the ‘Restricted’ category.
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Chapter 96 of the ITC ( HS ), 2022, Schedule-I, which governs import policy, has been amended to reflect this new restriction. With immediate effect, importers will need to obtain special authorization from the DGFT to bring in these lighter parts, signalling a shift from the previously more lenient import regime.
This change impacts the availability of components necessary for the assembly and sale of gas-fueled lighters, both refillable and non-refillable.
The rationale behind this restriction has not been explicitly stated, but it could be tied to several factors such as safety concerns, quality control issues, or to promote domestic manufacturing under the government’s “Make in India” initiative. Restrictions like these are often intended to control the import of low-quality or unsafe products that could pose risks to consumers, as well as to encourage the use of domestically sourced materials.
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| HS codes | Item Description | Import Policy | Existing Policy | Revised Policy Condition |
| 96139000 | Parts | Free | However, import of Parts o1 pocket lighters, gas fuelled, non-refillable or refillable shall be ‘Restricted’ |
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