The changes have been introduced through the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Amendment Regulations, 2026, which amend the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018. FSSAI had earlier issued a draft amendment in April 2026 proposing the inclusion of specific packaging materials for pan masala.
Plastic-Free Packaging Materials Specified:
Under the new provision added to Schedule IV, packaging for pan masala may use paper, paperboard, cellulose or other naturally derived materials.
However, these materials must be completely free from plastic, including polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, PVC and other synthetic polymers, copolymers or laminates. The specified packaging materials must also not contain aluminium foil or metallised layers.
FSSAI has also specified tin and glass containers as permitted packaging options for pan masala.
Plastic Sachets Prohibited:
The amendment also incorporates relevant provisions of the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016. These provisions prohibit the use of plastic sachets for storing, packing or selling gutkha, tobacco and pan masala.
The rules further restrict the use of plastic materials in packaging for gutkha, pan masala and tobacco products in all forms.
What It Means for Manufacturers:
The updated provisions are expected to require pan masala manufacturers and packaging suppliers to review their existing packaging materials and ensure that they comply with the specified requirements.
The move strengthens India’s regulatory focus on reducing plastic use in packaging while promoting alternatives such as paper-based materials, tin and glass.
FSSAI’s April draft notification had proposed these requirements, and the authority’s official notifications page records the draft as having been issued for the inclusion of packaging materials for pan masala.
Key Takeaway:
Pan masala packaging will need to move away from plastic-based materials, with plastic-free paper-based materials, tin and glass identified as permitted options under the updated framework.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has introduced new packaging provisions for pan masala, specifying permissible packaging materials and restricting the use of plastic-based materials.
The changes have been introduced through the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Amendment Regulations, 2026, which amend the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018. FSSAI had earlier issued a draft amendment in April 2026 proposing the inclusion of specific packaging materials for pan masala.
Plastic-Free Packaging Materials Specified:
Under the new provision added to Schedule IV, packaging for pan masala may use paper, paperboard, cellulose or other naturally derived materials.
However, these materials must be completely free from plastic, including polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, PVC and other synthetic polymers, copolymers or laminates. The specified packaging materials must also not contain aluminium foil or metallised layers.
FSSAI has also specified tin and glass containers as permitted packaging options for pan masala.
Plastic Sachets Prohibited:
The amendment also incorporates relevant provisions of the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016. These provisions prohibit the use of plastic sachets for storing, packing or selling gutkha, tobacco and pan masala.
The rules further restrict the use of plastic materials in packaging for gutkha, pan masala and tobacco products in all forms.
What It Means for Manufacturers:
The updated provisions are expected to require pan masala manufacturers and packaging suppliers to review their existing packaging materials and ensure that they comply with the specified requirements.
The move strengthens India’s regulatory focus on reducing plastic use in packaging while promoting alternatives such as paper-based materials, tin and glass.
FSSAI’s April draft notification had proposed these requirements, and the authority’s official notifications page records the draft as having been issued for the inclusion of packaging materials for pan masala.
Key Takeaway:
Pan masala packaging will need to move away from plastic-based materials, with plastic-free paper-based materials, tin and glass identified as permitted options under the updated framework.
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