FSSAI Bans Plastic Packaging Gutkha-Pan Masala: Plastic packaging of Pan Masala-Gutkha has been banned. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has banned plastic packing of pan masala. Under the new rules, companies will now be able to pack and sell pan masala only in paper, tin or glass containers. The new rule has come into effect from 10 August 2026. This will impact both companies and customers, including potential price increases.
Companies will have to move towards new eco-friendly options. FSSAI has notified the Food Safety and Standard Packaging Amendment Regulations 2026. These new rules have come into effect with immediate effect.
Under the new rules of FSSAI, companies manufacturing pan masala will now have to keep in mind whether they are packing any type of product in plastic packets. According to the new gazette notification, now the use of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, PVC or any kind of synthetic polymer and laminate in pan masala packets has been completely banned. Apart from this, aluminum foil and metallized layer will also no longer be used in packets.
Why was plastic-aluminium foil packaging banned?
The main reason behind this ban is environmental protection. Plastic and aluminum foil pouches do not decompose for years and increase pollution. The purpose of this rule is to make the packaging of pan masala completely plastic free and eco-friendly. This decision has been taken under the provisions of 'Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016' of the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
What will be the impact on customers?
The effect of this new rule of FSSAI will be visible not only on the companies but also on the customers. Companies will have to immediately look for raw materials and packaging machinery that are budget friendly and non-destructive. At the same time, due to expensive things like paper and tin, the budget of making pan masala will increase due to which it is possible that the price of pan masala may also increase.
Nicotine products banned in Karnataka for one year
Meanwhile, the Karnataka government has banned the sale and distribution of gutkha, pan masala and other tobacco and nicotine products for one year. Following the government notification issued on August 10, 2026, the Food Safety and Drugs Administration has intensified inspections across the state. In this notification, there is a ban on manufacturing, storing, transporting, distributing and selling such products for the sake of people's health.
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