Chennai: Government authorities have banned Comfort Agarbatti after laboratory tests confirmed the presence of illegal and unapproved chemicals, prompting a public advisory for consumers in Tamil Nadu.
The Home Insect Control Association (HICA) has welcomed the enforcement action against the mosquito repellent incense sticks marketed under the brand Comfort Agarbatti, citing serious regulatory and public health concerns.
Comfort Agarbatti Found Containing Illegal Insecticide
According to HICA, Comfort Agarbatti, manufactured by M/s Dhoop Chhav Company, has been sold across Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.
Samples collected from the open market and tested by the Maharashtra Agriculture Department detected the presence of Dimefluthrin, an insecticide that is neither approved nor registered for use in mosquito repellent incense sticks in India.
The product has reportedly been available for sale in several major cities across Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, Trichy, Madurai, Coimbatore, and Salem, exposing unsuspecting consumers to potentially unsafe chemicals.
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Raids Reveal Regulatory Violations Linked to Comfort Agarbatti
During a raid conducted in Mumbai, enforcement officials seized multiple boxes of Comfort Agarbatti containing Dimefluthrin.
Investigations revealed that the manufacturer, M/s Dhoop Chhav Company, did not possess a valid manufacturing licence or approval from the Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee (CIBRC).
As a result, the production and sale of Comfort Agarbatti were found to be in violation of the Insecticides Act, 1968, and the Insecticides Rules, 1971, rendering the product illegal.
Rising Crackdown on Illegal Mosquito Repellent Agarbattis
Authorities have observed a growing trend of illegal mosquito repellent agarbattis being sold under misleading claims such as “herbal,” despite containing unapproved insecticides.
Products sold under names including Comfort, Sleepwell, and Relax have been identified during enforcement actions across multiple states.
This has led to intensified regulatory scrutiny nationwide, reflecting increased concern over consumer safety and compliance with insecticide regulations.
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Role of CIBRC and Consumer Safety Advisory
The Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee (CIBRC), operating under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, is the statutory body responsible for approving chemicals used in mosquito repellents in India.
All CIBRC-approved products carry a registration number starting with “CIR,” clearly displayed on the packaging.
Chemicals such as Dimefluthrin and Meperfluthrin have not been approved by CIBRC for use in mosquito repellent incense sticks, making their inclusion illegal. Approved products undergo a rigorous scientific evaluation process before registration is granted.
HICA Welcomes Action Against Comfort Agarbatti
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 the 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.”
Previous Enforcement Highlights Ongoing Vigilance
In November last year, enforcement authorities in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, seized illegal mosquito repellent agarbattis worth ₹69 lakh sold under the brand name ‘Sleepwell’. Laboratory analysis found the products contained Meperfluthrin, another insecticide not approved by CIBRC.
HICA stated that it will continue working closely with regulators and enforcement agencies to support action against illegal mosquito repellent products and to educate consumers on identifying safe and compliant household insect control solutions.
