CM MK Stalin Praises Ban on Pocket Lighter Imports

Chennai, October 15, 2024: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed his gratitude to Union Minister Piyush Goyal for the recent decision to ban the import of certain parts used in pocket cigarette lighters. CM Stalin called the move a crucial step in protecting jobs in the matchbox industry and reducing plastic waste.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), CM Stalin said, “Thank you, Hon’ble @PiyushGoyal, for fully accepting my demands by banning single-use plastic cigarette lighters under Rs20 and now restricting the import of parts for cigarette lighters. This welcome move strengthens Tamil Nadu’s matchbox manufacturers, safeguarding over a lakh jobs and reducing harmful plastic waste.”

The restrictions on pocket lighter imports were implemented on October 13, when the Department of Commerce imposed limits on importing certain parts. According to the notification from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), “Import of parts of pocket lighters, gas fuelled, non-refillable or refillable lighters (cigarette lighters) is restricted with immediate effect.”

In another post, CM Stalin shared a letter he had previously sent to Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, urging action against imported cigarette lighters. “The matchbox manufacturing industry is a major source of employment in the southern part of Tamil Nadu. It is a traditional industry that employs over a lakh people directly,” the letter stated.

Stalin further noted the challenges the industry has been facing. “The industry is going through a difficult phase currently. It is facing stiff challenges from Pakistan and Indonesia in the export markets. The supply chain disruptions following the COVID pandemic have increased the cost and logistic difficulties associated with exports,” his letter elaborated.

The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister also urged the Union Minister to take stringent measures against the import of lighters from Pakistan and Indonesia. “I, therefore, urge your urgent intervention in this matter and request you to immediately ban the import of such single-use plastic cigarette lighters and also to take stringent action against illegal imports,” the letter concluded.