In August 2026, FSSAI banned plastic, aluminium foil, and metallised layers in pan masala packaging under new rules notified on 10 August 2026. Here is what manufacturers can use instead, and when the rules took effect.
The pan masala manufacturers face a packaging overhaul after the FSSAI banned plastic, aluminium foil, and mellasized layers, in short forcing manufacturers to rethink widely used flexible and multi-layered packaging formats. The revised packaging rules applied since 10th August 2026 came into effect from the date of their publication in the Official Gazette. The amendment updates the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018, by inserting pan masala into Schedule 4, which specifies permitted packaging materials for select food products.
Under the new set of packaging rules, the manufacturers are only allowed to use paper, paperboard, cellulose, and other naturally derived materials for packaging pan masala. The FSSAI has also mentioned clearly that such materials should be free from plastic content as well. The packaging must also be free from contents from aluminium foil or any metallised layers. The prohibition is comprehensive. Materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and other synthetic polymers, copolymers, or laminates are explicitly disallowed.
The regulators have completely banned the use of multi-layered flexible packaging that relies completely on plastic or metallic barriers for moisture control, aroma retention, and shelf-life extension. Such formats are widely used in the segment.
The FSSAI has banned the use of plastic and instead has recommended the use of tin and glass containers for pan masala. It helps manufacturers to choose between an accurate set of options, either they can opt for fully plastic-free alternatives, use naturally derived packaging materials, or they can also use rigid containers made of tin or glass. The rules also explain clearly a common grey area in packaging design, paper-based wrappers concealing plastic or metallic layers. Such composite structures will not be permitted if they contain any of the prohibited materials, regardless of their outer appearance.
Smaller manufacturers of the industry that are reliant on flexible packaging formats will necessitate a reassessment of supply chains, material sourcing, and packaging technology as well.
The amendment also incorporates relevant provisions of the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, into the food packaging regime for pan masala. Such provisions also help to reinforce the existing restrictions on plastic sachets used for storing, packaging, or selling gutka, tobacco, and pan masala. They also reiterate the prohibition on the use of plastic in any form for such products. By embedding these rules within the FSSAI’s packaging regulations, the government has effectively aligned food safety norms with environmental compliance requirements.
The final notification follows a consultation process initiated in April this year. On 28 April, the FSSAI released draft amendments proposing the inclusion of pan masala in Schedule 4 and outlining permissible packaging materials, including paper, paperboard, cellulose, and other naturally derived substances, provided they were free of plastic, synthetic polymers, and metallic layers. Tin and glass were also proposed as alternatives at the draft stage. Stakeholders were invited to submit objections and suggestions. After reviewing the feedback, the regulator finalised and notified the amendments on 10 August.
The distinction between the draft and final notification is critical, while on the other hand, the April document set out the intent, the August notification makes the restrictions legally binding.
It is vital to understand that the regulatory bodies have banned the plastic packaging of the pan masala, but not the pan masala itself. The regulatory focus is strictly confined to packaging standards. Manufacturers are allowed to continue their production and distribution, provided they provide their packaging companies with the revised material specifications.
The move is a part of the broader regulatory tightening around plastic-intensive packaging, particularly in categories linked to tobacco and related products. The FSSAI has also been actively promoting alternatives to conventional plastic packaging. In July, it highlighted BIOPACKATHON 2026, an initiative in collaboration with the Department of Consumer Affairs and the Bureau of Indian Standards, aimed at developing biodegradable packaging solutions for pan masala and gutkha sachets.
24 August 2026
24 August 2026
24 August 2026
24 August 2026