Pan Masala Packaging Rules Tightened: FSSAI Bans Plastic, Metallised Materials With Immediate Effect
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has banned the use of plastic and metallised materials in pan masala packaging, mandating that manufacturers switch exclusively to plastic-free paper, paperboard, cellulose, tin, or glass containers.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has banned the use of plastic and metallised materials in pan masala packaging, mandating that manufacturers switch exclusively to plastic-free paper, paperboard, cellulose, tin, or glass containers. The regulatory body introduced these changes through the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Amendment Regulations, 2026, officially published in the Gazette of India on August 10, 2026. Under the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the new directives come into force immediately.
The amendment specifically prohibits packaging containing synthetic polymers and copolymers, including polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Furthermore, the restrictions extend to multi-layer packaging that uses plastic, aluminium foil, or metallised linings beneath an outer paper layer. FSSAI Proposes New School Food Rules: Check Threshold Limits for Fat, Sugar and Salt.
To provide compliant options, the FSSAI inserted pan masala as a distinct entry under Schedule 4 of the 2018 packaging regulations, listing approved alternatives such as naturally derived plastic-free materials, paperboard, tin, and glass. The official notification also noted that relevant provisions of the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, framed under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, will apply to all pan masala packaging moving forward. Why Maharashtra Hotels Are Engaging Former FDA & FSSAI Officials Amid Tukaram Mundhe's Crackdown.
Pan Masala Packaging Rules Tightened
The regulatory authority clarified that this measure focuses entirely on packaging standards and does not constitute a product ban on pan masala itself. The final decision follows a 60-day public feedback period after the draft notification was issued on April 28, 2026. According to the food safety authority, suggestions and objections submitted by industry stakeholders and the public were reviewed prior to finalizing the rules with central government approval.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 11, 2026 08:55 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).