Pan masala packaging gets stricter: FSSAI bans plastic, aluminium foil; permits paper, tin or glass
Under the revised rules, pan masala may be packed using paper, paperboard, cellulose and other naturally derived materials, provided they are entirely free of plastic.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has introduced stricter regulations for pan masala packaging, prohibiting the use of plastic, aluminium foil, and metallised layers. Starting from 10 August 2026, manufacturers are only allowed to use paper, paperboard, cellulose, or other naturally derived materials to package the product.
These materials must be entirely free of plastic, including polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Additionally, packaging materials cannot contain any synthetic polymers, copolymers, or laminates. Manufacturers have the alternative option of using tin or glass containers for pan masala, which have been separately listed as permitted packaging materials under the new regulations.
The amendment also incorporates provisions from the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The new rules came into effect on the date they were published in the Official Gazette, following a public consultation period that lasted for 60 days.
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