Table of Contents
India Introduces First Quality Standard for Agarbattis
Introduction
- First Ever Standard: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has introduced India’s first official quality standard for agarbattis called IS 19412:2025 – Incense Sticks (Agarbatti) — Specification.
- Official Unveiling: The standard was officially announced on National Consumer Day, 24 December 2025.
- Ministerial Launch: The announcement was made by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.
- Launch Venue: The standard was released at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
Why This Standard Was Needed
- Cultural Significance: Agarbattis are used daily in homes, temples, prayer rooms, meditation places, and religious activities across India.
- Regulatory Gap: Earlier, there was no clear Indian rule or quality standard made only for agarbattis.
- Health Concerns: Some agarbattis released harmful smoke when burned, which could affect health, especially in closed spaces.
- Quality Issues: In the absence of rules, the quality of agarbattis varied widely among different brands.
- Trade Barriers: Indian exporters faced difficulties in foreign markets due to lack of recognised safety standards.
Key Objectives of IS 19412:2025
- Consumer Safety: The main aim is to protect people from harmful chemicals released during burning.
- Indoor Air Quality: The standard helps reduce indoor air pollution caused by incense smoke.
- Product Uniformity: It ensures that agarbattis made by different manufacturers follow similar quality rules.
- Export Readiness: It helps Indian agarbattis meet international safety requirements and export norms.
Prohibited Chemicals and Substances
- Banned Insecticides: The standard bans insect-killing chemicals that become harmful when burned.
- Named Chemicals: Chemicals such as Alethrin, Permethrin, Cypermethrin, Deltamethrin, and Fipronil are not allowed.
- Health Impact: These chemicals can damage indoor air quality and cause breathing and health problems.
- Fragrance Restrictions: Some artificial fragrance chemicals are also restricted under the standard.
- Specific Bans: Substances like Benzyl cyanide, Ethyl acrylate, and Diphenylamine are prohibited.
- Global Alignment: Many of these substances are already banned or restricted in several other countries.
Classification and Quality Criteria
Product Categories
- Machine-Made Type: Agarbattis produced in large quantities using machines.
- Hand-Made Type: Agarbattis prepared by hand using traditional rolling methods.
- Masala Type: Traditional agarbattis made using natural masala and herbal ingredients.
Quality Parameters
- Raw Materials: Clear rules are given for the quality of bamboo sticks, powders, and binding materials.
- Burning Behaviour: Agarbattis should burn evenly and safely without producing excessive smoke.
- Fragrance Quality: The fragrance should be pleasant, safe, and remain consistent.
- Chemical Limits: Fixed limits are set for chemicals used in agarbattis.
Consumer Assurance: BIS Standard Mark
- Certification Eligibility: Manufacturers following the standard can apply for BIS certification.
- ISI Mark Usage: Certified products are allowed to display the BIS (ISI) Mark on packaging.
- Trust Indicator: The mark helps consumers identify safe and quality-checked agarbattis.
Role of Scientific and Industry Inputs
- Scientific Support: Scientific and research institutions supported the development of the standard.
- Key Institutions: These include CSIR-CIMAP, CSIR-IITR, CSIR-CFTRI, and FFDC Kannauj.
- Industry Participation: Agarbatti manufacturers and the All India Agarbatti Manufacturers Association were involved in consultations.
- Balanced Framework: The standard protects public health while respecting traditional manufacturing practices.
Industry and Economic Impact
- Global Leadership: India is the largest producer and exporter of agarbattis in the world.
- Domestic Size: The Indian agarbatti industry is valued at around ₹8,000 crore
- Export Value: Exports are worth approximately ₹1,200 crore to over 150 countries.
- Market Confidence: The standard increases consumer trust in agarbatti products.
- Export Advantage: It helps Indian products gain easier acceptance in international markets.
- Sustainable Growth: Encourages safe, responsible, and long-term industry development.
Important Questions
- What is IS 19412:2025 and why was it introduced by the Bureau of Indian Standards?
- Why was there a need to create a separate quality standard like IS 19412:2025 for agarbattis in India?
- Which harmful chemicals and insecticides are banned under IS 19412:2025 and for what reasons?
- How does IS 19412:2025 help in improving consumer safety and indoor air quality?
- What impact will IS 19412:2025 have on the Indian agarbatti industry and its exports?
Conclusion
The introduction of IS 19412:2025 by the Bureau of Indian Standards is a significant step towards ensuring the safety, quality, and reliability of agarbattis used daily by millions of people. By banning harmful chemicals, setting clear quality rules, and allowing the use of the BIS Standard Mark, the new standard protects consumer health while also supporting traditional manufacturers. At the same time, it strengthens India’s position in the global incense market by improving trust, consistency, and export acceptance.
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