Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has commended Union Minister Piyush Goyal for imposing restrictions on the import of parts for pocket cigarette lighters. He emphasized that this decisive action is a significant step towards safeguarding jobs in the state’s traditional matchbox manufacturing sector and reducing plastic waste.
In a recent post on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), CM Stalin expressed his gratitude to Minister Goyal for accepting his appeal to ban single-use plastic cigarette lighters priced under ₹20 and to limit the import of lighter components. He noted that this move will strengthen local matchbox manufacturers, protect employment for over one lakh (100,000) people, and help mitigate harmful plastic pollution.
On October 13, the Department of Commerce announced new restrictions on importing parts for pocket lighters. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) issued a notification stating, “Import of parts of pocket lighters, gas-fueled, non-refillable or refillable lighters (cigarette lighters) is restricted with immediate effect.”
CM Stalin also shared a letter he had previously sent to Union Minister Goyal, urging a ban on imported cigarette lighters. In the letter, he highlighted the importance of the matchbox industry in southern Tamil Nadu as a major source of employment, directly involving over one lakh people.
He pointed out that the industry is currently facing significant challenges due to stiff competition from Pakistan and Indonesia in export markets, along with increased costs and logistical difficulties arising from supply chain disruptions following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Chief Minister called for stringent measures against the import of lighters from these countries, emphasizing the need for immediate intervention to protect the livelihoods of those dependent on the matchbox industry. He urged the Union Minister to ban the import of single-use plastic cigarette lighters and to take strong action against illegal imports.
