- Published:
- Saturday 17 September 2016
More than 2,000 cigarette lighters shaped like high-top sneakers have been seized from a Moorabbin importer over concerns for the safety of young children.
Consumer Affairs Victoria product safety inspectors discovered the banned lighters, which were poised for sale in Victorian stores, following a tip-off from interstate authorities.
In total 2,361 lighters were seized, valued at around $12,000.
Toy-like novelty cigarette lighters were permanently banned nationwide in 2011 in a bid to keep kids safe.
Traders supplying banned goods can face fines of up to $1.1 million for a body corporate and $220,000 for individuals.
40 children have been taken to Victorian emergency departments for burns caused by using or playing with cigarette lighters in the past five years, according to Monash University's Victorian Injury Surveillance Unit.
Anyone with concerns about product safety issues can contact Consumer Affairs Victoria on 1300 36 48 94 or visit consumer.vic.gov.au
Quotes attributable to Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation Marlene Kairouz
“Children’s safety is paramount. Kids playing with lighters can lead to disaster, including serious burns and house fires.”
“These lighters are illegal for a reason. That’s why our inspectors are working hard to ensure they don’t make it to our supermarket shelves.”