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In France, many products are prohibited from sale or even distribution. This is the case for certain lighters, and we will look together at why they are prohibited, what the regulations are for the distribution of these accessories, and what the constraints are for the French when purchasing these lighters.
The lighter is an accessory considered as an item related to the smoker's world, thus, it is obvious that many rules are implemented in order to be able to sell it or even to be able to buy it. Discover through this advice-article which lighters are prohibited from sale in France and the purchase restrictions for consumers regarding lighters. 
In certain places, lighters may be prohibited or must comply with certain rules in order to ensure the safety of people nearby and in the surrounding area. There are many restrictions concerning petrol lighters, as well as gas lighters. We will look at all these restrictions together.
According to IATA's Table 2.3.A on regulations for the transport of dangerous goods as of January 1, 2019, lighters are prohibited in checked baggage, but also in the cabin. However, you will still be able to carry it on you, in your pocket for example, whether it is a box of matches or a gas lighter.
However, you may encounter some difficulties if you own a Zippo. Indeed, it contains fuel, and you may be asked to remove the cotton from your lighter in order to determine whether the cotton in your Zippo is soaked with fuel or not.If it is, it is possible and likely that your Zippo will be confiscated, or that you will be asked to remove the cotton from it in order to make it unusable and to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
The sale of tobacco products to minors is prohibited by law in order to fight against smoking for many years now. Products considered as tobacco products include all items intended to be chewed, sucked, smoked, snuffed that contain tobacco, eveninfinitesimal dose according to Article L3511-1 of the Public Health Code. Lighters are therefore not considered tobacco products and are, consequently, not prohibited for sale to minors. However, it is possible that the tobacconist may decide not to sell one if they consider that the purchase of the lighter will be used by the minor for smoking.
On May 11, 2006, the European Commission took new measures to combat smoking, particularly among minors. Indeed, in order to limit accidents due to improper handling of lighters, it is now mandatory that lighters sold have child safety features. This can be with a protective flap on the ignition wheel or a greater force required to ignite an electric lighter. Lighters with designs appealing to children (in various shapes, cars, or other toys, etc.) are therefore prohibited from free distribution.
The distribution of products related to alcohol or alcohol brands is strictly prohibited in France except for certain exceptions according to the Evin law for the fight against smoking and alcoholism.
