New Delhi, Dec. 26 -- In a move aimed at tightening quality, safety and sustainability norms in a sector deeply rooted in India's cultural practices, the government on Friday launched a new Indian standard for incense sticks amid rising global scrutiny over the use of synthetic chemicals in fragranced products, the ministry of consumer affairs said in a statement.

The step comes against the backdrop of growing international attention to indoor air quality, consumer safety and the environmental impact of fragranced products, particularly in Europe, where regulators have flagged health risks linked to prolonged exposure to certain synthetic compounds used in incense.

According to the ministry's statement, the absence of a dedicated domest...