HS Code 96.13 – Cigarette lighters and other lighters, whether or not mechanical or electrical and parts thereof other than flints and wicks

HS code 9613 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Cigarette lighters and other lighters, whether or not mechanical or electrical and parts thereof other than flints and wicks. Heading 9613 provides a comprehensive classification for cigarette lighters and other lighters, encompassing a vast array of devices designed to produce a flame, irrespective of their operating mechanism. This includes mechanical lighters (e.g., flint-wheel, piezo ignition), electrical lighters (e.g., arc, plasma lighters), and disposable or refillable variants. A crucial aspect of this heading is its inclusion of 'parts thereof other than flints and wicks.' This distinction is vital for customs classification, as flints (3606) and wicks (5908) are specifically excluded and classified elsewhere. The scope covers everything from inexpensive disposable lighters to high-end luxury lighters and specialized utility lighters for candles or grills. Sub-categories can be based on fuel type (butane, lighter fluid), ignition method (flint, piezo, electric arc), or intended use. Accurate classification is paramount for trade compliance due to strict safety regulations, particularly those concerning child-resistant features and flame control, which vary significantly by country. This heading is a major component of Chapter 96, grouping essential consumer goods that have substantial global trade volumes and are subject to stringent product safety standards.

Disposable butane lighters, refillable gas lighters, Zippo-style fluid lighters, electric arc lighters, plasma lighters, USB-rechargeable lighters, torch lighters, utility lighters (for grills), lighter cases, lighter mechanisms, lighter igniters, piezo ignition systems for lighters, electronic lighter components (excluding batteries), lighter bodies (unfinished), lighter fuel tanks/reservoirs, desktop lighters, windproof lighters, candle lighters, cigar lighters, lighter refill valves, lighter springs, lighter caps, lighter covers.

A common misclassification involves flints and wicks for lighters, which are specifically excluded from 9613. Flints are classified under 3606 (ferro-cerium and other pyrophoric alloys), and wicks under 5908 (textile wicks). Another error is classifying batteries for electric lighters, which fall under headings like 8506. While electric lighters might seem to fit 8543 (electrical machines), 9613 specifically names 'electrical' lighters, making it the more precise heading. Matches (3605) are also distinctly different. Always remember that 9613 covers the complete lighter assembly and most of its parts, but specifically carves out flints and wicks.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 9613 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.0B, 50% of world exports), France ($282M) and Spain ($138M). World exports came to about $2.1B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 9613 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($198M, 11% of world imports), Germany ($130M) and France ($85M). World imports came to about $1.8B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

HS code 9613 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 96 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (96) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (13) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.