FSSAI Mandates Paper, Tin or Glass Packaging For Pan Masala

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has introduced new packaging requirements for pan masala, banning the use of plastic-based materials, aluminium foil and metallised layers in its packaging. Under the new regulations, manufacturers can use plastic-free paper, paperboard, cellulose and other naturally derived materials, as well as tin or glass containers.

The changes were notified through the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Amendment Regulations, 2026, published in the Gazette of India on August 10. The amendment modifies the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018, by adding pan masala as a new entry under Schedule 4, which specifies suggestive packaging materials for food products.

Under the revised provisions, paper, paperboard, cellulose and other naturally derived materials can be used only if they are completely free from plastic. The notification specifically rules out polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and other synthetic polymers, copolymers and laminates. The restrictions also apply to packaging that may appear to be paper-based but contains plastic layers underneath.

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The rules further prohibit the use of aluminium foil and metallised layers in packaging made from the permitted paper or naturally derived materials. This means manufacturers cannot use multilayer packaging that combines paper with plastic, aluminium foil or metallised components. FSSAI has separately listed tin and glass containers as permitted alternatives for packaging pan masala.

The amendment also states that certain provisions of the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, framed under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, will apply to pan masala packaging. The regulations came into force from the date of their publication in the Official Gazette. FSSAI said the final rules were issued after considering feedback received during the consultation process.

The authority had published the draft amendment on April 28, inviting objections and suggestions from stakeholders and other affected parties for 60 days. The final notification was issued under the powers granted to FSSAI by the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, with the approval of the Central Government. Importantly, the amendment does not ban pan masala itself; it regulates the materials that manufacturers can use to package the product, with the focus now firmly on eliminating plastic-based and metallised packaging.

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