WASHINGTON, June 25,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- After a fifteen-year effort, the
State of Wisconsin finally enacted
a new law protecting consumers from the dangers of unsafe and
counterfeit lighters. The law – 2023 Wisconsin Act 271– takes
effect on July 1, 2024, and bans the
sale in Wisconsin of any lighter
that fails to comply with national safety standards for lighters
and for counterfeit lighters.
As noted by Steven Burkhart,
President of the Lighter Association, "For too long, US consumers
have faced confusion and risk when unknowingly purchasing unsafe
and counterfeit lighters. Personal injuries to consumers and
economic harm to US shareholders and employees are among the
consequences. The Wisconsin law
goes a long way to addressing these issues. We salute Governor
Evers and Senator Testin for their far-reaching vision in enacting
the unsafe lighter law."
Among the important requirements of the new law:
- Limitations on the flame height of lighters
- Prohibition on spitting, sputtering or flaring of lighters
- Fixed time for extinction of lighter flame
- Drop test to ensure lighters are structurally sound
- Elevated temperature test to ensure that lighter reservoir will
not leak or rupture
David Baker, Executive Director
of the Lighter Association notes "The Wisconsin unsafe lighter law follows the
enactment of the Connecticut
unsafe lighter law in 2022. Retailers throughout the country will
now need to follow the requirements of ASTM F400 and ASTM F2201
when purchasing lighters for their retail stores. A huge shout out
to Fire Chief Jerry Minor of
Pittsville, WI who so doggedly
pursued this legislation for over 15 years."
Lighters manufactured and distributed by members of the Lighter
Association are authorized products and comply with all ASTM and
CPSC standards. Members of the Association include Beacon Power,
BIC, Cricket, Tokai International and Zippo.
For questions about the new law, please contact the Lighter
Association.
Contact:
David H. Baker
Executive Director & General Counsel
379390@email4pr.com
(202) 253-4347
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content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-wisconsin-law-prohibits-sale-of-unsafe-lighters-302181214.html
SOURCE Lighter Association