In a significant move to safeguard public health and elevate product quality, the Indian government has officially announced a new mandatory standard for incense sticks, commonly known as agarbatti. The notification, issued on National Consumer Day 2025, establishes stringent quality norms and explicitly prohibits a range of hazardous substances used in manufacturing.
What the New Agarbatti Standard Entails
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has developed this comprehensive standard to promote responsible and sustainable practices within the industry. The standard categorizes agarbattis into three distinct types: machine-made, hand-made, and traditional masala agarbattis. For each category, it prescribes detailed norms covering raw materials, burning quality, fragrance performance, and critical chemical parameters.
A cornerstone of the new regulation is the prohibition of specific harmful substances. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs released a list of chemicals now banned from use. This list includes insecticidal agents like alethrin, permethrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, and fipronil. It also bans synthetic fragrance intermediates such as benzyl cyanide, ethyl acrylate, and diphenylamine.
The ministry highlighted that many of these substances are already restricted or banned internationally due to their potential impact on human health, indoor air quality, and ecological safety. Repeated exposure in indoor environments has been linked to respiratory irritation, allergic reactions, neurological effects, and environmental harm.
Boosting Safety and Global Market Access
This regulatory step is particularly timely given the rising global demand for incense products. The government statement noted that international studies and regulatory actions, particularly in Europe, have raised concerns over synthetic chemicals in fragranced products like agarbatti.
The new standard is expected to have a transformative impact on the industry, which is deeply embedded in India's cultural and religious fabric. India is the world's largest producer and exporter of agarbattis, with an estimated domestic industry worth around Rs 8,000 crore annually. Exports are valued at nearly Rs 1,200 crore, reaching over 150 countries including the US, Malaysia, Nigeria, Brazil, and Mexico.
The sector is a vital source of livelihood, supporting a vast network of artisans, micro-entrepreneurs, and MSMEs in rural and semi-urban areas, and plays a key role in generating employment, especially for women.
A Future of Confidence and Sustainability
The government asserts that the standard will enhance consumer confidence and promote ethical manufacturing. Products complying with the norms will be eligible to carry the BIS Standard Mark, empowering consumers to make informed choices.
The standard was developed by the Fragrance and Flavour Sectional Committee (PCD 18) of BIS after extensive stakeholder consultation. It reinforces India's commitment to protecting its cultural heritage while aligning traditional industries with modern safety expectations. The move is poised to improve access to stringent global markets and support the long-term sustainability of this iconic Indian industry.
