HS CODE 9613.10.00 Pocket Lighters, Gas Fuelled, Non-Refillable HS CODE 9613.10.00 Pocket Lighters, Gas Fuelled, Non-Refillable Disposable Gas Lighters — EAC Customs & Trade Guide Kenya | Uganda | Tanzania | Rwanda | Burundi | DRC | Somalia
1. HS Code Overview
HS Code 9613.10.00 covers pocket lighters that are gas-fuelled and non-refillable — commonly known as disposable lighters. These are one of the most widely traded consumer goods across the EAC, with virtually all supply coming from imports, primarily from China. The classification falls under Chapter 96, Heading 9613 (lighters and other igniters), Subheading 9613.10 (pocket lighters, gas fuelled, non-refillable).
| Level | Code | Description |
| Chapter | 96 | Miscellaneous Manufactured Articles |
| Heading | 9613 | Cigarette lighters and other lighters, whether or not mechanical or electrical |
| Subheading | 9613.10 | Pocket lighters, gas fuelled, non-refillable |
| Tariff Line | 9613.10.00 | Single tariff line — no further EAC subdivision |
2. Related HS Codes
| HS Code | Description | Distinction |
| 9613.10.00 | Gas lighters, non-refillable (disposable) | This code — most common household lighters |
| 9613.20.00 | Pocket lighters, gas fuelled, refillable | Refillable lighters — reusable, generally higher value |
| 9613.80.00 | Other lighters — electric, windproof, etc. | Arc lighters, plasma lighters, windproof lighters |
| 9613.90.00 | Parts of lighters | Flints, wicks, valves — components only |
| 2901.10 | Butane gas (fuel) | The fuel inside — classified separately if sold as gas |
| 3603.00 | Safety fuses, detonators | Not lighters — distinct classification for pyrotechnics |
3. EAC Customs Treatment
| EAC Partner State | Import Duty | VAT | Excise | Notes |
| Kenya | 25% | 16% | 0% | High import duty — consumer goods Band C |
| Uganda | 25% | 18% | 0% | Widely available at all retail levels |
| Tanzania | 25% | 18% | 0% | Tanzania Revenue Authority monitors for undervaluation |
| Rwanda | 25% | 18% | 0% | Imported mainly via Mombasa-Kigali corridor |
| Burundi | 25% | 18% | 0% | High informal cross-border trade with Tanzania |
| DRC | 25% | 16% | 0% | Massive market — significant smuggling challenge |
| Somalia | Varies | 0% | 0% | Largely informal trade environment |
4. Safety Regulations and Standards
Disposable lighters are subject to safety regulations across the EAC due to risks of fire and child safety. Key standards applicable in EAC Partner States include:
- ISO 22702: Lighters — Safety requirements — covers child resistance and flame height
- Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) KS 1869: Local standard for lighter safety — importers must obtain KEBS approval
- Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) equivalent: Similar requirements apply at Dar es Salaam port
- Child-resistant mechanisms: Several EAC states are moving toward requiring child-resistant lighters, aligned with EU Directive 2006/502/EC
5. EAC Trade Context
5.1 Market Characteristics
The EAC lighter market is dominated by Chinese-manufactured BIC-style and generic disposable lighters. The Nairobi wholesale market (Eastleigh and Gikomba) and Kampala’s Owino Market are major distribution hubs. Single lighters retail for as low as KES 10 (approximately USD 0.08), making them among the lowest-unit-value consumer goods traded in the region.
5.2 Undervaluation Challenge
Pocket lighters are a known high-risk category for customs undervaluation. Importers frequently declare values significantly below actual transaction prices. The Kenya Revenue Authority and Uganda Revenue Authority maintain reference price databases for common imported goods, including lighters, which customs officers should cross-check against declared values.
5.3 Counterfeit Brand Lighters
Counterfeit BIC, Clipper, and other branded lighters are a significant issue at EAC ports. Rights holders (BIC, Tokai, etc.) have registered their trademarks with EAC customs authorities and can request detention of suspected counterfeit shipments. Customs officers should be alert to branded lighters with poor quality printing, inconsistent flame mechanisms, or packaging in non-standard languages.
6. Classification Notes
- Confirm the lighter is gas-fuelled (butane) and non-refillable — refillable models are 9613.20.00
- Electric arc/plasma lighters classify under 9613.80.00 — increasingly common and worth checking
- Lighters supplied as part of a promotional gift set may need to be classified as part of a composite article
- Luxury lighters (gold-plated, branded fashion items) still classify here regardless of value
Prepared for EAC Customs, Heritage Officers & Trade Practitioners | February 2026