In a move to prioritize consumer safety and improve air quality, the Indian government has, for the first time, notified comprehensive standards for incense sticks (agarbattis). The new Indian standard, IS 19412:2025, was officially released by Union Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi on National Consumer Day at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. This standard, developed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), aims to regulate the manufacturing and composition of incense sticks sold in the Indian market.
A key feature of the new standard is the prohibition of specific insecticidal chemicals and synthetic fragrance substances that pose potential health risks. The banned substances include a range of insecticides, such as alethrin, permethrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, and fipronil. Additionally, the standard restricts the use of synthetic fragrance intermediates like benzyl cyanide, ethyl acrylate, and diphenylamine. Many of these substances face restrictions or outright bans in several countries due to their potential adverse effects on human health, indoor air quality, and ecological safety.
IS 19412:2025 classifies agarbattis into three categories: machine-made, handmade, and traditional masala types. The standard prescribes specific requirements for raw materials, burning quality, fragrance performance, and chemical parameters for each category. By setting these norms, the government seeks to ensure safer products and consistent quality for consumers.
The government expects the new standards to have a wide-ranging positive impact. It anticipates increased consumer confidence, the promotion of ethical and sustainable manufacturing practices, and support for traditional artisans. Furthermore, the standards are expected to improve access to global markets for Indian agarbatti products. Products that comply with IS 19412:2025 will be eligible to carry the BIS Standard Mark, allowing consumers to easily identify and choose products that meet the established quality and safety criteria.
The development of IS 19412:2025 involved extensive consultations with various stakeholders, including experts from CSIR institutes, the Fragrance and Flavour Development Centre in Kannauj, and representatives from the agarbatti manufacturing industry. This collaborative approach ensured that the standard reflects the diverse perspectives and needs of the industry while prioritizing consumer well-being.
India is the world's largest producer and exporter of agarbattis, making this standardization a significant step for the industry. The introduction of these standards demonstrates a commitment to aligning indigenous industries with modern quality and safety expectations, protecting cultural heritage, and promoting responsible manufacturing practices. Ultimately, the implementation of IS 19412:2025 is poised to elevate the quality and safety of incense sticks in the Indian market, benefitting both consumers and the environment.
