Sourcing lighter piezo mechanisms from China

0% duty on replacement lighter parts

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 5 October 2026, heading 9613 covers cigarette and other lighters and their parts, excluding flints and wicks. For replacement piezo ignition mechanisms supplied as lighter parts, check 9613 90 00 00. The table shows product variants sharing this parts line.

The parts line carries 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied data lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control for that line. Refillable pocket lighters and other complete lighters have CITES import and export controls attached. For species listed in the relevant CITES annexes, a permit is required; confirm any species-containing finished lighter and its documentation with your customs broker.

Confirm the commodity code using the drawing, intended lighter and actual supplied assembly. Describe these goods as replacement lighter parts rather than generic appliance igniters. For the wider heading and another ignition component, see lighter spark wheels.

Specify the mechanism and its mating lighter

Specify the intended lighter model, housing dimensions, locating shoulders, mounting tabs, actuator travel and operating force. Define the ignition lead length, insulation, terminal shape, electrode position and return path. State whether the supply includes brackets, actuator caps or leads. Approve a fitted sample and keep the drawing revision with the order.

General product safety rules in Great Britain cover products intended for or likely to be used by consumers; confirm the applicable safety obligations with the relevant authority. Check the replacement in the assembled lighter for ignition, actuator return and child resistance. Agree with the laboratory which assembled-lighter checks to repeat after changing the mechanism; use testing and certification support to define the test brief.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative mixed batch of replacement piezo mechanisms for a lighter-repair business under 9613 90 00 00, invoiced at £2,500 free on board, with £590 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £3,090. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £3,090, so it is £618. 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

Fit: compare received mechanisms with the approved drawing and fit samples into the intended lighter housing. Check locating features, actuator clearance and lead routing.

Spark: operate samples repeatedly in the agreed fixture and installed position. Check reliable discharge at the intended electrode, rather than along the lead or inside the housing.

Return and retention: check the actuator returns freely, terminals remain secure and leads do not pull out or become pinched during assembly.

Packing and identification: check model and batch identification, protected terminals, intact insulation and separation of similar-looking variants. Record arrival findings against the quality inspection brief.

What goes wrong

A mechanism can spark on the bench yet fail once fitted because the lead is trapped, the electrode misses its intended position or the return path is poor. A different actuator travel can leave the lighter unable to ignite reliably. Mixed variants, loose terminals and damaged insulation also cause intermittent faults.

Do not approve a substitute solely because its outer dimensions match. Compare fitted performance with the approved sample, check that the replacement preserves the lighter's child-resistant operation, and hold suspect batches for investigation before fitting or resale.

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.