For a safer ‘agarbatti’ — Centre flags potential impact on health, bans harmful chemicals

Widely used in households, places of worship, meditation centres, and wellness spaces, incense sticks — or ‘agarbattis’ as they are popularly called — are an integral part of India’s cultural and religious practices. With rising global interest in yoga, meditation, aromatherapy, and holistic well-being, demand for incense products has increased significantly in both domestic and international markets.

However, many insecticidal chemicals and synthetic fragrance substances pose risks to human health, indoor air quality and the environment. Aiming towards a safer, cleaner, and more ethical ‘agarbatti’ industry, protecting both consumers and the environment, the government on Friday introduced new standards — IS 19412:2025 — to regulate its manufacturing.

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Released on National Consumer Day 2025 by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, the updated guidelines focus on eliminating harmful substances — certain insecticidal chemicals such as allethrin, 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, according to an official statement.

With the new standards, manufacturers must comply with strict regulations on raw materials, fragrance performance, and burning quality, ensuring safer, more consistent products. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) will award the BIS Standard Mark to compliant products, giving consumers confidence and promoting transparency, it added

India, the world’s largest producer and exporter of incense sticks, has a thriving industry worth Rs 8,000 crore annually, with exports of Rs 1,200 crore to over 150 countries. This sector not only boosts the global image of Indian craftsmanship but also supports rural artisans, small businesses, and women entrepreneurs. The new standards aim to enhance product quality, consumer safety, and sustainable practices, while also opening new markets for Indian incense sticks worldwide.