Ban on Hazardous Chemicals
A key feature of IS 19412:2025 is the prohibition of certain insecticidal chemicals and synthetic fragrance intermediates found to pose risks to human health and indoor air quality. These include chemicals such as alethrin, permethrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, and fipronil, which are commonly associated with pest-control formulations.
The standard also restricts the use of synthetic fragrance substances like benzyl cyanide, ethyl acrylate, and diphenylamine. Many of these compounds are either banned or tightly regulated in several countries due to their potential toxicological and ecological effects.
Why a Dedicated Agarbatti Standard Was Needed
Officials said the growing global focus on sustainability, coupled with stricter international regulations on fragrance chemicals, highlighted the need for a dedicated Indian standard for agarbattis. The absence of uniform norms had earlier led to variations in quality and safety across products available in the market.
The new BIS standard classifies incense sticks into machine-made, hand-made, and traditional masala agarbattis. It prescribes detailed requirements related to raw materials, burning characteristics, fragrance performance, and permissible chemical parameters to ensure consistency and safety.
BIS Certification to Guide Consumers
Products that comply with IS 19412:2025 will be eligible to carry the BIS Standard Mark. This is expected to empower consumers to make informed choices and distinguish certified products from non-compliant ones in a crowded marketplace.
According to officials, the standard will also encourage ethical manufacturing practices and improve traceability, helping Indian manufacturers align with global quality benchmarks.
Industry-Wide Collaboration
The standard was developed by the Fragrance and Flavour Sectional Committee (PCD 18) of BIS through extensive consultations with stakeholders. Experts from leading institutions such as CSIR–CIMAP, CSIR–IITR, CSIR–CFTRI, the Fragrance and Flavour Development Centre in Kannauj, and the All India Agarbatti Manufacturers Association contributed to the process.
Their inputs helped balance scientific evidence, industry feasibility, and consumer protection while drafting the specifications.
Boost to a Major Export Industry
India is the world’s largest producer and exporter of agarbattis, with the domestic industry valued at approximately ₹8,000 crore. Exports are estimated at around ₹1,200 crore annually, reaching more than 150 countries worldwide.
The sector supports a vast network of artisans, MSMEs, and micro-entrepreneurs, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, and provides employment to a large number of women. The new standard is expected to strengthen India’s credibility in global markets.
Cultural Significance Meets Modern Safety
Incense sticks hold deep cultural and religious significance in India and are also increasingly used in meditation, yoga, and wellness practices worldwide. With rising global demand driven by interest in holistic well-being, ensuring product safety has become critical.
Officials believe IS 19412:2025 strikes a balance between preserving tradition and adopting modern safety norms, reinforcing India’s leadership in responsible manufacturing.
