Healthy Soch
Chemicals, Caution for citizens in Delhi
India
healthysoch
New Delhi, January 27, 2026:
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 Delhi, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh, manufactured by M/s Dhoop Chhav 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 Delhi
NCR region.
During a raid conducted in Mumbai, officials discovered several boxes of ‘Comfort’ incense
sticks containing dimefluthrin. The company, Dhoop Chhav 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 Delhi. 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.
