India has rolled out its first dedicated standard for incense sticks (agarbatti), a move that comes amid increasing global scrutiny of the chemical composition and potential health impacts of fragranced products. The new standard, titled IS 19412:2025, was officially released by Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Pralhad Joshi, on National Consumer Day 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
The IS 19412:2025 standard, developed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), aims to enhance consumer safety, improve indoor air quality, and promote responsible manufacturing practices within the incense stick industry. This standard specifies quality norms and prohibits the use of certain substances in the manufacture of incense sticks, addressing growing concerns about potential health risks associated with some synthetic chemicals used in these products.
The new standard classifies agarbattis into three categories: machine-made, hand-made, and traditional masala agarbattis. It sets specific requirements for raw materials, burning quality, fragrance performance, and chemical parameters. A key aspect of the standard is the prohibition of 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 face restrictions or bans internationally due to their potential impact on human health, indoor air quality, and ecological safety.
The introduction of IS 19412:2025 is expected to significantly benefit consumers and the environment. Products that comply with the standard will be eligible to carry the BIS Standard Mark, allowing consumers to easily identify safe, tested, and quality-assured incense sticks. This move is anticipated to boost consumer confidence and encourage informed purchasing decisions.
India is the world's largest producer and exporter of agarbatti, with an estimated market of Rs 8,000 crore annually. The industry exports products worth Rs 1,200 crore to over 150 countries, including major markets like the US, Malaysia, Nigeria, Brazil, and Mexico. By adhering to the new standard, Indian manufacturers can enhance the global competitiveness of their products, ensuring they meet international safety and quality requirements. The new standard is also expected to promote ethical and sustainable manufacturing practices, protecting traditional livelihoods associated with the incense stick industry.
The development of the standard involved extensive consultations with stakeholders and was carried out by the Fragrance and Flavour Sectional Committee (PCD 18) of BIS. This collaborative approach ensures that the standard reflects the needs and concerns of the industry while prioritizing consumer safety and environmental protection.
