The Indian government has taken a decisive step to protect its domestic agarbatti industry and ensure product quality for consumers. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has officially notified new Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for agarbatti, commonly known as incense sticks.
Mandatory Standards to Curb Substandard Imports
This regulatory move mandates that all agarbatti sold in India, whether manufactured domestically or imported, must conform to specific Indian Standards (IS) and carry the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification mark. The primary objective is to prevent the influx of low-quality and often cheaper incense sticks from other countries, which have been undercutting local producers.
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the commerce ministry, issued the official notification on May 24, 2024. The new rules will come into effect following a mandatory transition period, giving stakeholders time to adapt to the new compliance requirements.
Key Provisions of the New Quality Control Orders
The newly introduced QCOs cover two main categories of agarbatti based on their composition and intended use. The standards these products must meet are IS 15587:2022 for bamboo stick-based agarbatti and IS 15588:2022 for charcoal-based agarbatti.
Once the orders are fully enforced, no person will be permitted to manufacture, import, sell, or stock agarbatti that do not bear the standard mark and comply with the specified Indian Standards. This creates a level playing field and assures consumers of consistent product safety and quality.
The government has provided a crucial window for compliance. For domestic manufacturers, the QCO will be enforced six months from the date of notification. For foreign manufacturers and importers, a longer adaptation period of nine months has been granted. This staggered approach acknowledges the different logistical challenges faced by local and international supply chains.
Boosting 'Make in India' and Protecting Livelihoods
This policy is widely seen as a significant boost for the 'Make in India' initiative within the cottage and small-scale industry sector. The agarbatti manufacturing industry is a major source of employment, particularly for women, in various parts of the country. By setting a high-quality benchmark, the government aims to shield these domestic units from unfair competition and help them capture a larger share of the market.
Industry bodies have welcomed the decision, stating that it will not only safeguard jobs but also encourage investment in better manufacturing technologies. Consumers stand to benefit from more reliable and standardized products. The move aligns with a series of similar QCOs introduced for various other products to enhance quality and self-reliance in the Indian economy.
The implementation of these agarbatti quality norms marks a pivotal shift towards formalizing and strengthening a traditional industry. It underscores the government's focus on using quality control as a tool for industrial policy, consumer protection, and import substitution.
