Recall: CPSC, BIC Clarify Recall

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 19, 2000 Alert #00-502	CPSC Contact: Ken Giles
	(301) 504-7052
	BIC Media Contact: Linda K. Kwong
	(203)783-2049

CPSC, BIC Clarify Recall

***MEDIA ADVISORY***

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with BIC Corporation of Milford, Conn., clarified that the recall of cigarette lighters without child-resistant technology announced on September 14 does not include lighters sold by BIC Corporation in the United States. The "BIC" brand lighters were illegally brought into the U.S. by Vaid Enterprises, a New Jersey importer. They were not imported or sold by BIC Corporation. The Customs Service discovered this illegal activity and brought it to the attention of CPSC.

"We want to clarify that the recall involves only BIC lighters illegally imported into the U.S. by Vaid Enterprises," said Russ Rader, Director, Office of Public Affairs of the CPSC. "The recall does not involve lighters sold in the U.S. by BIC. In the United States, BIC sells only lighters with a child-resistant mechanism."

BIC Corporation is taking legal action against Vaid Enterprises for the illegal importation of these lighters. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported. The recalled lighters are not equipped with the metal shield over the sparkwheel, whereas the child-resistant lighters have that shield.