Bengaluru, 05 December 2025: ‘Sleepwell’ mosquito repellent agarbattis are sold online across all-India and are also available through various local distributors and retailers in specific cities, particularly in states like Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, Kerala and Gujarat. However, the government has initiated strict legal action against Sleepwell following major raids and seizures.
The Home Insect Control Association (HICA)—a non-profit industry body that promotes the safe use of household insecticides—has welcomed the action and urged the government to continue sustained enforcement. HICA has raised concerns about several such illegal agarbatti brands sold under misleading names including Sleepwell, Comfort, Relax, Godzilla, among others.
The ‘Sleepwell’ mosquito repellent incense sticks are manufactured by Bengaluru-based Ashika Incense Inc. Acting on instructions from the State Agriculture Department, Agriculture Officers from the NTR District inspected Sai Hanuman Agencies in Gunadala, Vijayawada. Samples were sent to the National Institute of Plant Health Management (NIPHM), Hyderabad, for testing. Laboratory results confirmed the presence of Meperfluthrin, a chemical not approved by the Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee (CIBRC) for use in mosquito repellents.
Following the confirmation, authorities recently seized inventory worth over ₹69 lakh from a storage facility in Vijayawada and issued orders to immediately stop sale of these products. Instructions have also been issued to conduct similar checks across other districts in the state. People have been advised to stay alert while purchasing agarbattis marketed as mosquito repellents across states including Karnataka.
As people are unaware about the threat of illegal repellent incense sticks, this action while in Andhra Pradesh marks a significant step toward curbing the circulation of unsafe, unapproved repellents even in Karnataka.
This crackdown comes after HICA had earlier, in September 2025, raised alarms across states about the widespread sale of illegal mosquito-repellent incense sticks containing unapproved chemicals. Tests commissioned by HICA found Meperfluthrin in Sleepwell agarbatti as well.
Commenting on the government’s latest action, Jayant Deshpande, Hon. Secretary, Home Insect Control Association (HICA), said, “A major concern is the rampant use of illegal mosquito repellent incense sticks that have entered homes across various states. These unsafe products, sold under names like Sleepwell, contain chemicals such as Meperfluthrin, which are not approved by Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee (CIBRC). We appreciate the strong action taken by the Agriculture Department against these illegal players. Due to lack of awareness, people unknowingly purchase such products without understanding their harmful effects. HICA strongly urges citizens to stop using these illegal incense sticks and choose only government-approved mosquito repellents that carry a proper registration number starting with ‘CIR’ on the packaging. CIR number guarantees the authenticity and safety of the product.”
The illegal mosquito repellent incense stick market in India, largely illegal is worth INR 1600+ crores. In Southern India, it has become INR 370 crore industry.
The Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee (CIBRC), under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, is the authority that approves chemicals for use in mosquito repellents in India. Any chemical intended for use in mosquito insect repellents must be registered with CIBRC before it can be manufactured, imported, or sold in the country. Further, any government-approved mosquito repellent typically undergoes a rigorous testing process prior to any approval by CIBRC. Government CIBRC-approved mosquito repellents carry a registration number (starting with CIR meaning Central Insecticide Registration number) which is specified on the packaging, guaranteeing authenticity and safety of the product. Since Meperfluthrin has not been approved by CIBRC, its use in mosquito repellent incense sticks is illegal act.
