NewKerala.com

India's New BIS Safety Rules for Incense Sticks Ban Harmful Chemicals

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has launched a new mandatory Indian Standard (IS 19412:2025) for incense sticks to improve product safety and protect public health. The standard prohibits the use of harmful insecticides like allethrin and permethrin, which are known to degrade indoor air quality and are banned in many countries. It categorizes agarbattis into machine-made, handmade, and traditional masala types, setting benchmarks for materials, combustion, and fragrance performance. Compliant products will carry the BIS Standard Mark, helping consumers identify safer options in a domestic industry valued at approximately ₹8,000 crore.

Key Points: New BIS Safety Standard Launched for Safer Incense Sticks

  • Bans insecticides like allethrin
  • Three categories defined
  • Mandates BIS Standard Mark
  • Protects indoor air quality
2 min read

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi launches new BIS safety rules for incense sticks

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi launches new BIS standard IS 19412:2025 for incense sticks, banning harmful insecticides to ensure safer indoor air quality.

"This new standard stops companies from using certain harmful chemicals in incense sticks. - Ministry of Consumer Affairs"

New Delhi, December 26

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi released a new Indian Standard for incense sticks to make them safer for people to use at home.

This new rule, "IS 19412:2025 - Incense Sticks (Agarbatti)", was created by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). It aims to improve the quality of products and protect the health of families who use these sticks every day. The Minister shared this news during the National Consumer Day 2025 event held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Friday.

The new standard stops companies from using certain harmful chemicals in incense sticks. These chemicals include insect killers like alethrin and permethrin, which can hurt indoor air quality and the environment. Many of these substances are already banned in other countries because they are not safe for humans or nature. By removing these ingredients, the government ensures that the air inside houses stays cleaner when people burn agarbattis for prayers or relaxation.

The new rules divide incense sticks into three types: machine-made, handmade, and traditional masala agarbattis. The standard sets clear requirements for the materials used, how well they burn, and how the fragrance performs. This helps makers create products that are of the same high quality every time. Products that follow these rules can now use the BIS Standard Mark. This mark helps shoppers know they are buying a safe product they can trust.

"Experts from institutions such as CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP), CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (IITR), CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), the Fragrance and Flavour Development Centre (FFDC), Kannauj, and the All India Agarbatti Manufacturers Association contributed to its formulation," the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution said in a release.

India is the world's largest producer and exporter of agarbattis, with the industry estimated at around Rs 8,000 crore annually and exports of about Rs 1,200 crore to more than 150 countries. Incense sticks are also very important in Indian culture and are used in almost every home and place of worship. Making these sticks provides jobs for many people, especially women in rural areas.

With rising global interest in yoga, meditation, aromatherapy and holistic well-being, demand for incense products has increased significantly in both domestic and international markets.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Finally! I've read about harmful pesticides in some agarbattis. Banning chemicals like permethrin is crucial for indoor air quality, especially with kids and elderly at home. Good to see scientific institutes like CIMAP and IITR were involved in making the standard.
A
Aman W
A positive move, but implementation is key. Will small-scale manufacturers, especially the women-led self-help groups mentioned, be able to afford the certification process? The government must provide support to ensure this doesn't hurt the grassroots industry.
S
Sarah B
As an expat, I always look for authentic Indian incense. A BIS mark will be a huge help when shopping abroad. It builds trust in the quality and safety of exports. Great for the 'Make in India' brand globally.
K
Karthik V
Distinguishing between machine-made, handmade, and traditional masala is smart. It protects our heritage crafts while ensuring safety. The fragrance performance standard is much needed – some cheap agarbattis smell terrible and give me a headache!
N
Nisha Z
This is about consumer protection, and it's high time. We blindly trust these products used in our sacred spaces. Hope the BIS mark becomes as recognizable as the ISI mark. Now, can we have similar standards for camphor and other puja items?

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50