FSSAI Tightens Pan Masala Packaging Rules, Bans Plastic-Based Materials

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has introduced stricter packaging requirements for pan masala, directing manufacturers to move away from plastic-based packaging and adopt approved alternatives such as paper, tin and glass.

Under the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Amendment Regulations, 2026, packaging made from paper, paperboard, cellulose or other naturally derived materials must contain no plastic. The revised provisions specifically prohibit synthetic polymers and copolymers, including polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

The new framework also rules out the use of laminates, aluminium foil and metallised layers for pan masala packaging. Tin and glass containers have instead been identified among the permitted options. The changes formally bring pan masala under Schedule IV of the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018, which lays down approved packaging materials for food products.

FSSAI has further clarified that provisions under clauses (f) and (i) of Rule 4(1) of the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, as amended, will apply to pan masala packaging. The revised requirements took effect immediately following their publication in the Official Gazette.

The final notification was issued on August 7, 2026, by FSSAI Chief Executive Officer Rajit Punhani. It follows a draft amendment released on April 28, 2026, which invited comments and suggestions from industry stakeholders before the provisions were finalized.

FSSAI subsequently communicated the directive to food safety commissioners across states and Union Territories on August 11, asking administrations to ensure implementation and market-level enforcement.

The move represents a significant packaging shift for the pan masala industry, requiring manufacturers to reconsider existing packaging formats and supply chains. The regulator's objective is to reduce the environmental burden associated with plastic packaging and encourage the adoption of more sustainable materials across the sector.

For manufacturers, compliance will now require timely changes to packaging design, sourcing and production processes.