India Bans Pesticides and Synthetic Chemicals in Incense Sticks

India, the world’s largest producer and exporter of incense sticks, has introduced a new quality standard aimed at ensuring consumer safety. This new standard restricts the use of certain pesticide chemicals in the manufacturing of incense sticks. This move is expected to promote the ₹8,000 crore incense stick market.

New Quality Standard for Incense Sticks

In response to growing concerns about consumer safety, indoor air quality, environmental sustainability, and regulatory compliance, a separate Indian standard ‘IS 19412:2025’ has been developed for incense sticks. This standard takes into account global restrictions on certain aromatic compounds and chemicals.

According to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, products that comply with the new standard can carry the BIS quality mark, helping consumers make informed choices with confidence. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has also outlined a list of prohibited substances for use in incense sticks. This list includes pesticides like allethrin, permethrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, and fipronil.

Additionally, artificial fragrance intermediates like benzyl cyanide, ethyl acrylate, and diphenylamine are also prohibited. These substances have been banned internationally due to their potential harmful effects on human health, indoor air quality, and environmental safety.

Categories of Incense Sticks Under the New Standard

Under the new quality standard, incense sticks are classified into machine-made, hand-rolled, and traditional masala incense categories. Specific requirements have been established regarding raw materials, burning quality, fragrance performance, and chemical standards to ensure that consumers receive safe and consistent quality products.

The Ministry stated, “This will increase consumer trust, promote ethical and sustainable manufacturing practices, support traditional artisans, and improve access to global markets.”