Maharashtra Govt Orders Statewide Action Against Illegal Mosquito Agarbatti ‘Comfort’ And ‘Sleep Well’

Directs Retailers and Shopkeepers to Stop Stocking and Selling

In a strong move to protect public health, the Maharashtra Department of Agriculture has directed all Insecticide Inspectors across the state to take immediate enforcement action against the sale of illegal mosquito agarbatti sold under the brand names “Comfort” and “Sleep Well.” The government has ordered strict implementation under the Insecticides Act, 1968 and the Insecticides Rules, 1971, including raids, seizures, and prosecution of violators.

The Home Insect Control Association (HICA), a non-profit industry body promoting the safe and responsible use of household insecticides in India, has welcomed the government’s decisive step. Over the past several months, HICA has remained in close coordination with authorities and consistently flagged concerns around mosquito agarbattis containing unapproved chemicals.

Earlier investigations into Sleep Well in Andhra Pradesh and Comfort in Mumbai confirmed through laboratory testing the presence of illegal and unapproved insecticides, prompting regulatory scrutiny and enforcement action in multiple states. Within just 15 days of the Mumbai raid and ban on ‘Comfort’, Maharashtra has now escalated its response to a statewide level, issuing a fresh circular to curb the sale of both products across the state.

Following this, the Director of Agriculture, Maharashtra, has issued a fresh statewide circular to all Divisional Joint Directors of Agriculture and Insecticide Inspectors, mandating immediate enforcement action against retailers and distributors selling “Comfort” and “Sleep Well” mosquito agarbattis. The circular instructs field authorities to carry out raids, seize illegal stock, and report all actions to the Commissionerate of Agriculture.

The Maharashtra Government has also cautioned shopkeepers and distributors that the sale and distribution of unregistered insecticide products is illegal and punishable under law, and has directed all retailers to immediately stop stocking and selling these products.

Jayant Deshpande, Hon. Secretary, Home Insect Control Association (HICA), said, “We strongly appreciate the Maharashtra government for its decisive and timely action against illegal mosquito repellent agarbattis like Comfort and Sleep Well. The misuse of illegal and unapproved chemicals in incense repellent formats is extremely concerning and poses potential risks to public. 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.”

HICA has urged retailers and distributors to ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements and advised consumers to buy only mosquito repellents that carry a valid CIR (Central Insecticide Registration) number on the packaging.

About HOME INSECT CONTROL ASSOCIATION (HICA)

HOME INSECT CONTROL ASSOCIATION (HICA) is a premier organization established 1995 in Mumbai to give impetus to the domestic Home Insecticides sector, to facilitate the members of the association for the overall safety of the environment and to educate the public about the healthy and proper use of the home insecticides for a pest free life.

For more details, visit https://www.hica.co.in/