The newly notified standard specifies prohibited use of certain insecticidal chemicals and synthetic fragrance substances in agarbattis that may pose risks to human health
Laying down quality norms and specifying a list of substances prohibited for use in manufacturing, the government has notified a new Indian Standard for incense sticks. The Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Pralhad Joshi, released IS 19412:2025- incense sticks (agarbatti)- specification, developed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
The newly notified standard specifies prohibited use of certain insecticidal chemicals and synthetic fragrance substances in agarbattis that may pose risks to human health, indoor air quality and the environment. This includes certain insecticidal chemicals such as alethrin, permethrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin and fipronil, as well as synthetic fragrance intermediates like benzyl cyanide, ethyl acrylate and diphenylamine. Many of these substances are restricted or banned internationally due to their potential impact on human health, indoor air quality and ecological safety.
Products conforming to this standard will be eligible to carry the BIS Standard Mark, enabling consumers to make informed choices with confidence. The notification of IS 19412:2025 is expected to boost consumer confidence, promote ethical and sustainable manufacturing practices, protect traditional livelihoods and enhance global market access for Indian agarbatti products.
Centre noted that the standard has been developed by the fragrance and flavour sectional committee (PCD 18) of BIS through extensive stakeholder consultations. Experts from several institutions contributed to its formulation, the ministry of consumer affairs added.
India is the world’s largest producer and exporter of agarbattis, with the industry estimated at around Rs 8,000 crore annually and exports of about Rs 1,200 crore to more than 150 countries, Centre pointed out. The sector supports a large ecosystem of artisans, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and micro-entrepreneurs, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, and provides significant employment opportunities, especially for women.
