Mumbai | Maharashtra, February 02, 2026
The Maharashtra government has imposed a ban on ‘Comfort’ mosquito repellent incense sticks after laboratory tests confirmed the presence of illegal and unapproved chemicals. The move has been welcomed by the Home Insect Control Association (HICA), a non-profit industry body promoting the safe use of household insecticides in India.
‘Comfort’ incense sticks, manufactured by M/s Dhoop Chhaon Company, were being sold across Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi. Samples collected from the open market revealed that unsuspecting consumers were purchasing the product.
Laboratory analysis conducted by the Maharashtra Agriculture Department detected dimefluthrin, an unapproved and illegal chemical, in the product.
Raids and Seizures
During raids conducted in Mumbai, authorities seized multiple boxes of ‘Comfort’ incense sticks containing dimefluthrin. As the manufacturer lacked both a valid license and CIBRC approval, the production and sale of the product were declared illegal under the Insecticides Act, 1968 and Insecticides Rules, 1971.
Misleading ‘Herbal’ Claims
Several mosquito repellent incense products falsely marketed as “herbal” were found to contain banned chemicals. Brands sold under names such as Comfort, Sleepwell, and Relax have been identified.
This has led to heightened regulatory vigilance amid growing public health concerns.
Importance of CIBRC Approval
The Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee (CIBRC), under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, is the statutory authority responsible for approving insecticides used in mosquito repellents. All approved products carry a CIR (Central Insecticide Registration) number, enabling consumers to verify authenticity and safety.
HICA’s Statement
Commenting on the development, HICA Honorary Secretary Jayant Deshpande said:
“We commend the Maharashtra government for its timely and decisive action against illegal mosquito repellents like Comfort. The misuse of chemicals such as dimefluthrin poses serious public health risks. Consumers should purchase only products with valid CIBRC registration.”
Earlier Enforcement Actions
In November 2025, enforcement authorities in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, seized illegal mosquito repellent incense sticks worth ₹69 lakh sold under the brand name ‘Sleepwell’. These products contained meperfluthrin, another chemical not approved by CIBRC.
HICA reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with regulators and enforcement agencies to curb illegal products and ensure consumer access to safe, compliant household insect control solutions.
