Since March 11, 2007, the EU CR Act, which was once considered to have a devastating impact on China's lighter exports, has been in effect for five months. Customs data shows that in the first half of 2007, China's lighter exports were not greatly affected by this and have quickly recovered. 

In the first half of 2007, the export of lighters in China showed a trend of quantity reduction and increase. Statistics show that from January to May 2007, China exported a total of 2.11 billion lighters, a decrease of 5.8% compared to the same period in 2006; The export value was 150 million US dollars, an increase of 0.1%.

From the monthly statistical data, it can be seen that except for a 50% decrease in export volume in the month of the implementation of the CR bill, there has been a steady recovery trend every month thereafter. The export volume in May 2007 exceeded the level before the implementation of the CR Act. Industry insiders point out that the rapid recovery of vitality is the result of China's lighter companies accelerating independent research and development, improving processes, and actively exploring new markets. 

Taking Zhejiang as an example, since 2007, leading lighter companies in Zhejiang have independently developed several patented technologies that meet the requirements of the CR Act through cooperation with universities and research institutes. The entire industry has initially established a cooperation mechanism to promote cooperation and sharing of independently developed patented technologies among member enterprises.

In addition, according to the CR Act, lighters exported to the EU must undergo laboratory certification recognized by the EU.

At present, the lighter laboratory of Wenzhou Entry Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau has been recognized by the European Union first in China. Wenzhou lighter enterprises can perform relevant testing procedures locally and obtain the necessary ISO9994 certification for export to the European Union, greatly saving certification costs and expenses.

As the three main provinces for lighter exports in China, Zhejiang, Guangdong, and Hunan have different performances. Among them, the export volume of Zhejiang lighters decreased by 5.4%; Guangdong's export volume decreased by 13.3%; Hunan has risen against the trend, with exports increasing by 28.1%.

Analysts from the General Administration of Customs pointed out that the different export performances of lighters in the three provinces are mainly due to differences in the product structure and main export markets of lighters in the three provinces.

For example, inflatable lighters with high added value in the product structure of Zhejiang lighters account for 85% of the total export volume, much higher than Guangdong's 40%, which makes lighter companies in Zhejiang relatively less affected by the CR Act.

Although the impact of the CR bill on China's lighter exports is smaller than expected, industry experts point out that the implementation of the CR bill is not only a severe test for China's lighter industry, but also a good opportunity to adjust product structure and increase product added value. The domestic lighter industry should make full use of this opportunity, improve its own quality, and lay a solid foundation for further opening up the high-end overseas market.

Industry experts believe that China's lighter industry is still dominated by small-scale enterprises, low-grade products, and OEM processing, with products tending towards homogenization, low added value, and lagging development of independent brands. In order to promote the sustainable development of the domestic lighter industry, it is necessary to accelerate the transformation of Chinese lighter enterprises from traditional labor-intensive to technology and quality oriented, and completely change the low, small, and scattered pattern of China's lighter industry.