In a first, standards for incense sticks notified
NEW DELHI: In a first, government notified standards for incense sticks (agarbatti) and has laid down quality norms or Indian Standards, specifying a list of substances prohibited for use in their manufacture.The items include certain insecticidal chemicals such as allethrin, permethrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin and fipronil, as well as synthetic fragrance intermediates like benzyl cyanide, ethyl acrylate and diphenylamine. Many of these substances are restricted or banned internationally due to their potential impact on human health, indoor air quality and ecological safety.The standard, IS 19412:2025, developed by BIS was released by consumer affairs minister Pralhad Joshi on Consumer Rights Day. The department said this was aimed at enhancing quality, safety, and sustainability. At present, this will be a voluntary standard. It classifies agarbatti into machine-made, hand-made, and traditional masala agarbattis, and prescribes requirements for raw materials, burning quality, fragrance performance and chemical parameters.“Substances historically used… have been linked to respiratory irritation, allergic reactions, neurological effects and environmental harm when inhaled repeatedly in indoor environments,” the department said.
