India has introduced a dedicated quality standard for agarbattis, tightening controls on chemical use in one of the country’s most traditional consumer goods sectors. The move, notified by the national standards body, seeks to improve indoor air quality, protect consumer health and strengthen the global competitiveness of an industry valued at about Rs 8,000 crore annually.
The new specification establishes, for the first time, a single national benchmark governing how incense sticks are made, what they contain and how they perform when burned. According to officials familiar with the process, the standard reflects growing concern over household air pollution and aligns Indian manufacturing practices with evolving international norms on chemical safety. A central feature of the framework is the prohibition of several insecticidal and synthetic chemical substances previously found in some incense products. These include compounds commonly associated with pest control and industrial fragrance formulation, many of which are already restricted in overseas markets due to their potential impact on respiratory health and the environment. Industry experts say the ban will push manufacturers to reassess raw material sourcing and fragrance formulation, especially for products used daily in densely populated urban homes. Beyond chemical restrictions, the standard categorises agarbattis into machine-made, hand-rolled and traditional masala varieties. Each category is assigned clear requirements covering raw materials, burning consistency, ash formation and scent performance. Products that comply will be eligible to carry the national quality mark, offering consumers clearer signals on safety and quality at the point of purchase.
An industry representative noted that while compliance may initially raise costs for some micro and small producers, the longer-term benefits outweigh the disruption. “Uniform standards improve trust. They also help Indian exporters avoid rejections in overseas markets where chemical regulations are far stricter,” the person said. India currently exports incense sticks worth roughly Rs 1,200 crore each year to more than 150 countries, with strong demand from North America, Latin America and parts of Southeast Asia. Analysts believe the new agarbatti quality standard could improve access to premium markets while protecting the reputation of Indian goods abroad. From an urban and social perspective, the reform carries broader implications. The agarbatti sector supports lakhs of workers, many of them women engaged in home-based or small-scale production in peri-urban and rural areas. Cleaner inputs and safer processes reduce occupational exposure risks, contributing quietly to healthier livelihoods and more inclusive local economies.
Urban planners also point out that household-level changes matter. Reducing toxic emissions from everyday products supports wider efforts to improve indoor air quality, particularly in compact city housing where ventilation is limited. As India rethinks sustainability beyond infrastructure, such standards reflect a gradual shift towards healthier consumption embedded within cultural practices.
Also Read: New Delhi NBCC Moves Ahead With Landmark Urban Redevelopment
Jaipur Real Estate Developer Accuses Government Officials Of Altering Land Ownership Records
