Disposable cigarette lighters

CPSC Recall #96-042 - December 13, 1995

Recall Summary

Recall Number96-042
Recall DateDecember 13, 1995
Remedy TypeRefund
Units Affected900,000
Manufactured InHong Kong

Product

Disposable cigarette lighters

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - CPSC, Young's Association Inc. of Gardena, Calif., is recalling 900,000 disposable cigarette lighters that do not comply with CPSC safety standards. CPSC test results showed that at least 50 percent of the lighters can be ignited without using the safety devices that prevent young children from igniting the lighters. Young's Association imported the lighters from Hong Kong distributing them through convenience stores and gas stations in Arizona, Arkansas, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Missouri, New York, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, Washington and the Territory of Puerto Rico. The non-refillable, disposable cigarette lighters were sold for 50 to 75 cents each from a display tray containing 50 lighters in 5 assorted colors: blue, green, pink, purple and clear. The metal caps of the lighters were stamped with "CiG" and "SNAPLOC." Approximately 900,000 lighters were sold from June to September 1995. Consumers should stop using the lighters immediately and keep them out of the reach of children. Consumers should return the lighters to the place where purchased for a full refund. For more information about this recall, consumers should contact Young's Association toll-free at (800) 654-0132, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PST. CPSC and Young's Association are not aware of any injuries involving these disposable cigarette lighters. This voluntary recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.

Hazard

CPSC test results showed that at least 50 percent of the lighters can be ignited without using the safety devices that prevent young children from igniting the lighters.

Incidents & Injuries

CPSC and Young's Association are not aware of any injuries involving these disposable cigarette lighters.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should stop using the lighters immediately and keep them out of the reach of children. Consumers should return the lighters to the place where purchased for a full refund.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Refund at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly, either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Refund) at no cost to you.

Yes. If you were injured by a defective consumer product, whether recalled or not, you may have grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer and potentially the retailer. A recall notice can serve as evidence that the manufacturer was aware of the defect. Injuries that may support a claim include burns, lacerations, fractures, electric shock, choking incidents, and chemical exposure. Most product liability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you win. Consult an attorney promptly, as statutes of limitation vary by state.

In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.

If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney, parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.