New Delhi, 11 August. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has implemented new rules to tighten the packaging of pan masala as part of its plastic-free campaign and has banned the use of plastic, aluminum foil and metallized layers. Under these rules, it has been asked to use materials in packaging which are plastic-free.
These changes for packaging were announced through the 'Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Amendment Rules, 2026' published in the Gazette of India on Monday (August 10). Through this amendment, changes have been made in the 'Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018'. Under this, 'Pan Masala' has been added as a new entry in 'Schedule 4' (which lists the recommended materials for packaging).
According to the new rules of FSSAI under the Union Ministry of Health and Welfare, packaging of pan masala can be done in paper, paperboard, cellulose or other naturally occurring materials, but these materials should not contain plastic at all.
FSSAI has also allowed manufacturers to use tin or glass containers for pan masala. These have been listed separately as approved packaging options under the new entry. The amendment also states that certain provisions of the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, made under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, will also apply to the packaging of pan masala.
these rules Official Gazette Effective from the date of publication in
These rules will come into force from the date of publication in the Official Gazette. FSSAI released the final amendment notice after completing the negotiation process on the proposed changes. The authority had first published the draft of the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Amendment Rules, 2026, on April 28, seeking objections and suggestions from people likely to be affected by the proposed rules. This draft was open to seek public opinion for 60 days.
FSSAI said that before issuing the final amendments, the objections and suggestions received from the public in response to the draft were considered. This final notification was issued based on the powers granted to FSSAI under the 'Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006' with the approval of the Central Government.
New notification especially rules related to packaging
This notification is specifically a rule related to packaging. There is no mention of banning pan masala products. Instead, it includes pan masala in the packaging schedule and specifies the materials that can be used for its packaging. Therefore, the new rules emphasize on moving the packaging of pan masala away from plastic-based materials.
Manufacturers who use paper, paperboard, cellulose or other naturally occurring materials must ensure that these materials do not contain plastics, synthetic polymers, co-polymers or laminates and do not use aluminum foil or metallized layers.
Other packaging options clearly mentioned by FSSAI include tin and glass containers. This amendment has come into force upon publication, and these provisions now form part of the amended 'Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018'.