India bans plastic, foil packaging for pan masala

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has released new packaging requirements for pan masala, restricting the use of plastic, aluminum foil, and metalized layers. Under the new provisions, pan masala may be packaged in paper, paperboard, cellulose, or other naturally derived materials, provided they are completely free from plastic. The provision also permits manufacturers to adopt tin or glass containers for pan masala packaging. “The packaging material for pan masala shall be free from any plastic, including but not limited to PE, PP, polyester, polyvinyl chloride, or any synthetic polymers, copolymers, or laminates,” FSSAI states. The changes were notified through the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Amendment Regulations, 2026, published in the Gazette of India on Monday (August 10).
The notification specifically states that the packaging cannot contain polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or any other synthetic polymers, copolymers or laminates.FSSAI has also permitted manufacturers to use tin or glass containers for pan masala. These are listed separately as permitted packaging options under the new entry. FSSAI said the objections and suggestions received from the public in response to the draft were considered before the final amendment was issued.
Pan masala is a widely consumed mixture of areca nut, slaked lime, catechu, and flavoring agents.The ban follows the Plastic Waste Management Rules notified by India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, which prohibit the use of plastic sachets for storing, packing, or selling gutkha, tobacco, and pan masala.