More than 2,000 cigarette lighters shaped like high-top sneakers were seized from a Moorabbin importer last month over safety concerns for children.
Consumer Affairs Victoria product safety inspectors discovered the banned lighters, which were poised for sale in Victorian stores, following a tip-off from interstate authorities.
In total 2361 lighters were seized, valued at about $12,000.
Toy-like novelty cigarette lighters were permanently banned nationwide in 2011 in a bid to keep kids safe.
Traders supplying banned goods can face fines of up to $1.1 million and $220,000 for individuals.
Monash University’s Victorian Injury Surveillance Unit statistics show 40 children were taken to Victorian emergency departments for burns caused by using or playing with cigarette lighters in the past five years.
Anyone with concerns about product safety issues can contact Consumer Affairs Victoria on 1300 36 48 94 or visit consumer.vic.gov.au
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 5 October 2016