- Jayant Deshpande, Secretary and Director, Home
Insect Control Association (HICA)
Recent enforcement drives across several states have brought
the issue of illegal mosquito agarbattis into sharp focus. Authorities have
conducted raids, seized unregistered products and acted against manufacturers
and distributors found violating regulatory requirements. These developments
highlight an important reality: not every mosquito agarbatti available in the
market is legally registered or compliant with our legal framework.
With mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, malaria and
chikungunya on the rise during the monsoon, mosquito agarbattis remain a
popular choice because they are affordable, easily available and familiar to
consumers. However, consumers also need to know how to identify a legally
registered mosquito agarbatti and avoid illegal products before making a
purchase. Here are some of the most common myths that can lead to uninformed
buying decisions.
Myth 1: Every mosquito agarbatti available in the market has
undergone the same regulatory scrutiny.
Fact: Not every mosquito agarbatti sold openly in the market is legally manufactured
as per established legal framework in the Country. Always check for a valid CIR
(Central Insecticides Registration) number issued by the Central Insecticides
Board & Registration Committee (CIB&RC). It is typically printed on the
back or bottom of the pack in the format CIR-XXXXX/XXXX (e.g., CIR-67468/2025)
and indicates that the product has undergone the prescribed regulatory
evaluation. If the pack does not carry a valid CIR number, avoid purchasing it
as same is not made with approved chemicals or ingredient
Myth 2: Green packaging and claims such as
"Herbal," "Natural," or "Eco-friendly" mean assurance
on mosquito agarbatti is safe and compliant.
Fact: Green packaging and herbal claims are not proof of regulatory approval.
Consumers should look beyond the front of the pack and verify that the product
carries a valid CIR/CIBRC Registration Number, along with mandatory information
such as the active ingredient, manufacturer details, expiry date and usage
instructions before making a purchase.
Myth 3: If a mosquito agarbatti is sold at my neighbourhood
grocery or medical store, it must be legal and safe.
Fact: Not necessarily. Products marketed under brands such as Comfort, Sleep
Well, 10 Ka Dum, Dengue Killer, Relax, Dinosaur, Happy Nights, Sweet Nights and
Freedom have faced regulatory action in different states for not using the
proper ingredient or approved chemicals. Some of these products may still be quietly
sold in the market through older inventory or unauthorised distribution
channels.
Myth 4: It's just a mosquito agarbatti. It can't pose any
serious health risk.
Fact: Illegal mosquito agarbattis may pose serious health risks. According to
the recent HICA survey, 70% of doctors consider illegal mosquito agarbattis a
major respiratory risk, while 90% reported seeing recurring breathing-related
problems among children linked to exposure to such products.
Consumer safety begins with informed choices. Just as people
routinely check expiry dates on food and medicines, they should also verify the
CIR number and mandatory label information before purchasing a mosquito
agarbatti. As Indian consumers continue its fight against
mosquito-borne diseases, choosing the right mosquito control product is just as
important as using it consistently.