The recent decision by the government to prohibit the import of cigarette lighters priced under ₹20 carries several implications. Here are some key points to consider:

• Health Promotion: Low-cost lighters encourage smoking by making it easily accessible and affordable. Prohibiting their import aligns with government efforts to discourage smoking and promote public health.
• Reduced Smoking Rates: By increasing the price of cigarette lighters, it becomes more expensive to maintain the habit of smoking. This may potentially deter smokers and contribute to a decline in smoking rates.
• Fire Safety: Cheaper lighters may not meet safety standards, increasing the risk of fires and accidents. Banning their import improves consumer safety by promoting the use of more reliable and regulated lighters.
• Counterfeit Prevention: Inexpensive lighters are often counterfeited, resulting in quality issues and potentially leading to further safety concerns. Prohibiting their import helps regulate the market and ensure only genuine, safe products are available.

Overall, the decision to prohibit the import of cigarette lighters priced under ₹20 aims to promote public health, reduce smoking rates, improve fire safety, and prevent counterfeit products from entering the market.