The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has introduced new packaging rules for pan masala, prohibiting the use of plastic and aluminium foil in its packaging. Manufacturers will now be required to use permitted alternatives such as tin or glass containers.
The new provisions were notified under the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Amendment Regulations, 2026 and published in the Gazette of India. Under the amendment, pan masala has been brought under Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018.
New Pan Masala Packaging Rules
Under the revised FSSAI pan masala packaging rules, manufacturers can use paper, paperboard, cellulose and other naturally derived materials, provided they are completely free from plastic.
The packaging must not contain:
- Polyethylene
- Polypropylene
- Polyester
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
- Other synthetic polymers or copolymers
- Plastic laminates
- Aluminium foil
- Metallised layers
However, tin and glass containers have been specifically permitted under the new regulations.
FSSAI Amendment Finalised After Consultation
The revised packaging regulations were finalised following a public consultation process. The draft amendment was published on April 28, inviting objections and suggestions from stakeholders for 60 days.
The feedback received during the consultation was subsequently considered before the final notification was issued.
The amendment also states that certain provisions of the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, framed under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, will apply to pan masala packaging.
Pan Masala Not Banned
Importantly, the latest FSSAI notification does not ban pan masala as a product. The regulations only specify the materials that manufacturers can use for packaging pan masala.
The move is aimed at regulating packaging materials and reducing the use of plastic and other prohibited materials in pan masala packaging.
