Sourcing cigar torch lighters from China
Cigar torch lighters from China carry 0% UK duty across the relevant lighter and parts lines, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty recorded. Consumer lighters must be safe; check child resistance, gas leaks and whether any refillable-model exemption applies. Cambridge China Bridge sources cigar torch lighters.
Duty and material controls
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 5 October 2026, heading 9613 covers lighters and their parts, excluding flints and wicks. For cigar torch lighters, distinguish refillable gas pocket models from other designs and separately supplied parts. The relevant lines carry 0% duty on goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspensions recorded.
The tariff attaches CITES import and export controls to refillable gas pocket lighters and other lighters. For natural-material grips or decoration, ask your customs broker to establish whether listed species are involved and confirm the documents needed from China. Listed species in the relevant annexes require permits. If a specimen appears on the official import-restrictions list, imports from the specified country into Great Britain are restricted.
Confirm the commodity code using the actual design, fuel and refillability. The table includes alternative formats and parts, rather than treating every cigar lighter as a refillable pocket model. For the wider heading, see refillable utility gas lighters.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refillable gas pocket lighters, including pocket cigar torch models | 9613 20 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Other lighters, including non-pocket cigar lighter designs | 9613 80 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Non-refillable gas pocket lighters, where supplied in the cigar range | 9613 10 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Lighter parts, excluding flints and wicks | 9613 90 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the jet, valve and ignition mechanism
Specify the jet arrangement, flame adjustment, ignition action, fuel, refill valve, tank and body materials, lid action and pocket or table format. Agree how the lighter will be supplied, including its fuel condition, instructions, finish and packaging. Keep an approved sample that shows flame shape, adjustment and reliable shut-off.
Consumer lighters supplied in Great Britain must be safe under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005. Check child-resistance and lighter-safety reports against the exact model and mechanism. Before relying on any child-resistance testing exemption for a refillable model, confirm its applicability and any conditions concerning warranty, repairability and service support with Trading Standards. Arrange testing and certification before accepting production.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative trial batch of refillable pocket cigar torch lighters under 9613 20 00 00, invoiced at £4,000 free on board, with £590 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £4,590. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £4,590, so it is £918. With no duty, the only import tax is the VAT, which a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Ignition and jets: check repeat ignition, even jet operation, flame adjustment and immediate extinguishing when the actuator is released.
Tank and refill valve: check for leakage, loose valves and cracking, and compare refilling behaviour with the approved sample. Use controlled laboratory checks for drop and temperature performance.
Mechanism and finish: match the child-resistant mechanism to the tested model; check lid movement, sharp edges, coating adhesion and any integrated cigar tool.
Packing and arrival: check instructions, model and batch identification, carton condition and transport paperwork. Confirm with the carrier whether the gas lighters are subject to dangerous-goods requirements, and confirm carrier acceptance and packing before booking. Isolate damaged or suspect units on arrival.
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What goes wrong
A sample lights reliably but production has misaligned jets, inconsistent ignition or a valve that leaks after refilling. The factory changes the actuator or spring while retaining the original report. A lid obstructs the flame, adjustment sticks, or the lighter keeps burning after release. Compare production with the approved sample and use quality inspection before shipment.
For toy-like styling or entertaining effects, ask Trading Standards to confirm whether any novelty-lighter restrictions apply to the finished design. Review the finished design before approving tooling or artwork. Shipping also fails when the supplier books gas lighters as ordinary cargo or the carrier has not accepted the consignment.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For own-brand ranges, see sourcing for brands.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on cigar torch lighters from China?
The relevant heading 9613 lighter and parts lines carry 0% duty. The supplied tariff record shows no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspensions.
Are refillable cigar torch lighters exempt from child-resistance testing?
Do not rely on refillability alone. Ask Trading Standards to confirm whether an exemption applies and what conditions concerning warranty, repairability and service support must be met before relying on it.
Can cigar torch lighters ship as ordinary cargo?
Confirm with the carrier whether the gas lighters are subject to dangerous-goods requirements. Agree the fuel condition, packing, declarations and carrier acceptance before booking; do not assume ordinary air cargo is suitable.
What should I check in a cigar torch lighter sample?
Check repeat ignition, even jets, flame adjustment, shut-off, refilling and leakage. Match the mechanism and materials to the reports and retain the approved sample for production comparison.