FSSAI bans plastic packaging for pan masala; mandates paper, tin or glass
The amendment adds pan masala to the list of products covered under Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018.
PTC News Delhi: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has introduced new packaging rules for pan masala, banning the use of plastic, aluminium foil and metallised layers in its packaging.
The new rules were notified on August 10 through the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Amendment Regulations, 2026. The amendment adds pan masala to the list of products covered under Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018.
Under the new rules, pan masala can be packed in paper, paperboard, cellulose and other naturally derived materials, but these materials must be completely free of plastic. Packaging cannot contain materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, PVC or other synthetic polymers, copolymers or laminates.
The rules also prohibit aluminium foil and metallised layers. This means even paper-based packaging cannot have hidden plastic or metal layers inside it.
Manufacturers can also use tin or glass containers to pack pan masala.
The amendment also makes certain provisions of the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, applicable to pan masala packaging.
The new rules came into effect from the date of their publication in the Official Gazette. FSSAI finalised them after seeking public feedback on the proposed changes. The draft rules were first issued on April 28, 2026, inviting objections and suggestions from stakeholders.