India, the world’s largest producer and exporter of agarbattis, has notified a new quality standard for incense sticks, aimed at improving consumer safety, indoor air quality and environmental compliance, while strengthening an industry estimated at Rs 8,000 crore annually.
The standard, IS 19412:2025, has been issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and is the first dedicated Indian standard for agarbattis, the consumer affairs ministry said on Thursday.
Certain insecticidal chemicals prohibited
Under the new norm, BIS has prohibited the use of several insecticidal chemicals and synthetic fragrance intermediates in agarbatti manufacturing, citing concerns around human health, indoor air quality and ecological safety.
The banned substances include alethrin, permethrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin and fipronil, as well as fragrance-related compounds such as benzyl cyanide, ethyl acrylate and diphenylamine. Many of these chemicals are already restricted or banned in several international markets, the ministry said.
Products can carry BIS mark
Agarbattis that comply with IS 19412:2025 will be eligible to carry the BIS Standard Mark, allowing consumers to identify products that meet the prescribed safety and quality benchmarks.
The ministry said the standard was developed amid heightened scrutiny of consumer safety, regulatory compliance and sustainability, as well as tightening global restrictions on certain fragrance compounds.
Classification and quality parameters defined
The standard classifies agarbattis into machine-made, hand-made and traditional masala categories, and lays down specifications for raw materials, burning quality, fragrance performance and chemical parameters.
According to the government, this is expected to ensure more consistent product quality while reducing exposure to potentially harmful substances.
Industry impact and export relevance
“It is expected to enhance consumer confidence, promote ethical and sustainable manufacturing practices, support traditional artisans, and improve access to global markets,” the consumer affairs ministry said.
India accounts for agarbatti exports worth Rs 1,200 crore annually to 150+ countries, which include Malaysia, the US, Brazil, Nigeria and Mexico. Domestically, the agarbatti industry is estimated to be worth Rs 8,000 crore a year.
