Govt Authorities Bans ‘Comfort’ Agarbatti Over Use Of Unapproved Chemicals, Caution for citizens in Tamil Nadu

The Home Insect Control Association (HICA), a non-profit industry body that promotes the safe use of household insecticides in India, has welcomed the action by government on illegal mosquito repellent agarbatti ‘Comfort’. Comfort mosquito repellent is sold across Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, manufactured by M/s DhoopChhav Company. Samples collected from the open market confirmed that the product was available for purchase by unsuspecting consumers and lab tests by the Maharashtra Agriculture Department detected the presence of Dimefluthrin, an illegal and unapproved chemical, in Comfort. Comfort’ incense sticks are reportedly sold across major cities in Tamil Nadu such as Chennai, Trichy, Madurai, Coimbatore, Salem among others

During a raid conducted in Mumbai, officials discovered several boxes of ‘Comfort’ incense sticks containing dimefluthrin. The company, DhoopChhav Company, lacked both a license and CIBRC approval, making the production and sale illegal under the Insecticides Act, 1968 and Insecticides Rules, 1971.

Several illegal agarbattis are being sold under the false claim of being herbal, despite containing illegal and non-government-approved chemicals, with products marketed under names such as Comfort, Sleepwell and Relax among those identified. This has led to an increase in enforcement action across India against illegal mosquito repellent incense sticks containing unapproved insecticides, reflecting growing regulatory vigilance and public health concerns.

The Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee (CIBRC), under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, is the statutory authority responsible for approving and registering chemicals for use in mosquito repellents in India before they can be manufactured, imported, or sold. Government CIBRC-approved mosquito repellents carry a registration number registration number (starting with CIR - Central Insecticide Registration number) clearly mentioned on the product pack, helping consumers verify authenticity and choose safe products.

Since chemicals like Dimefluthrin and Meperfluthrin have not been approved by CIBRC, its use in mosquito repellent incense sticks is illegal act.  Further, any government-approved mosquito repellent typically undergoes a rigorous testing process prior to any approval by CIBRC.

Commenting on the development, Jayant Deshpande, Honorary Secretary, Home Insect Control Association (HICA), said, “We strongly appreciate the government for its decisive and timely action against illegal mosquito repellent agarbattis like Comfort. The misuse of illegal and unapproved chemicals like Dimefluthrin in incense repellent formats is extremely concerning and poses potential risks to public in Tamil Nadu. Such products are deliberately sold without regulatory approvals and mislead consumers into believing they are safe. This enforcement is in the interest of people who unknowingly buy spurious mosquito agarbattis. The government action sends a clear message that illegal manufacturers and those enabling their distribution will not be tolerated. We urge sustained action across states and advise consumers to purchase only mosquito repellents that carry a valid CIBRC registration number.”

In November last year, enforcement authorities in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, confiscated ₹69 lakh worth illegal mosquito repellent agarbatti sold under the brand name ‘Sleepwell’, which were found to contain Meperfluthrin - an insecticide not approved by the Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee (CIBRC).

HICA will continue to work closely with regulators and enforcement agencies to support action against illegal products and to educate consumers on identifying safe and compliant household insect control solutions.