Enhancing Consumer Safety and Product Quality: New BIS Standard for Incense Sticks Released

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Dated: 29.12.2025

Enhancing Consumer Safety and Product Quality: New BIS Standard for Incense Sticks Released

On the occasion of National Consumer Day 2025, the Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Shri Pralhad Joshi, unveiled a groundbreaking Indian Standard for incense sticks (agarbattis) to ensure consumer safety, improve product quality, and promote sustainable practices. The new standard, IS 19412:2025 – Incense Sticks (Agarbatti) — Specification, was developed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and released at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

Why IS 19412:2025 Matters

Incense sticks, or agarbattis, hold a special place in India’s cultural and religious practices. They are widely used in households, places of worship, meditation centres, and wellness spaces. With the growing global interest in yoga, meditation, aromatherapy, and holistic well-being, the demand for incense products has surged both domestically and internationally. India, as the world’s largest producer and exporter of agarbattis, has an industry valued at ₹8,000 crore annually, with exports of ₹1,200 crore to over 150 countries. This sector supports a vast ecosystem of artisans, MSMEs, and micro-entrepreneurs, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, providing significant employment opportunities, especially for women.

However, the use of certain harmful chemicals and synthetic substances in agarbattis has raised concerns about human health, indoor air quality, and environmental sustainability. To address these issues, the BIS has introduced IS 19412:2025, a dedicated standard for incense sticks that aims to ensure safer products and consistent quality for consumers.

Key Features of IS 19412:2025

The newly notified standard focuses on consumer safety, environmental sustainability, and regulatory compliance. It prohibits the use of specific insecticidal chemicals and synthetic fragrance substances that pose risks to human health and ecological safety. The list of prohibited substances includes:

Insecticidal chemicals: Alethrin, permethrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, and fipronil.
Synthetic fragrance intermediates: Benzyl cyanide, ethyl acrylate, and diphenylamine.

These substances are restricted or banned internationally due to their harmful effects on health and the environment. By eliminating their use, the standard ensures that agarbattis are safer for consumers and contribute to better indoor air quality.

Classification and Requirements 

IS 19412:2025 classifies agarbattis into three categories:

Machine-made agarbattis
Hand-made agarbattis
Traditional masala agarbattis

The standard prescribes stringent requirements for raw materials, burning quality, fragrance performance, and chemical parameters. Products that conform to these specifications will be eligible to carry the BIS Standard Mark, empowering consumers to make informed choices with confidence.

Benefits of the New Standard 

The notification of IS 19412:2025 is expected to bring several benefits:

Enhanced Consumer Confidence: The BIS Standard Mark assures consumers of the safety and quality of agarbattis.
Promotion of Ethical Manufacturing Practices: The prohibition of harmful chemicals encourages manufacturers to adopt sustainable and eco-friendly practices.
Protection of Traditional Livelihoods: The standard supports artisans and micro-entrepreneurs, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, ensuring the preservation of traditional agarbatti-making techniques.
Boost to Global Market Access: Compliance with international safety standards enhances the competitiveness of Indian agarbatti products in global markets.

Collaborative Efforts in Developing the Standard 

The development of IS 19412:2025 involved extensive stakeholder consultations and contributions from leading institutions and industry experts. Organizations 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 played a pivotal role in formulating the standard.

A Step Towards Sustainability 

The introduction of IS 19412:2025 marks a significant step towards ensuring consumer safety, promoting sustainable manufacturing practices, and enhancing the global reputation of Indian agarbatti products. As the demand for incense sticks continues to grow, this standard will play a crucial role in safeguarding health, improving air quality, and supporting the livelihoods of millions of artisans and workers in the agarbatti industry.

Conclusion

The release of IS 19412:2025 is a testament to India’s commitment to consumer safety, environmental sustainability, and the preservation of traditional industries. By setting a benchmark for quality and safety, this standard not only benefits consumers but also strengthens India’s position as a global leader in the agarbatti industry. As we celebrate National Consumer Day 2025, this initiative serves as a reminder of the importance of ethical and sustainable practices in ensuring a better future for all.

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Source: Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution

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