FSSAI Bans Plastic in Pan Masala Packaging, Approves Tin and Glass Containers
FSSAI bans plastic, laminates and aluminium foil in pan masala packaging, approving tin and glass under new 2026 rules.
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The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has brought in stricter rules for the packaging of pan masala. The Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Amendment Regulations, 2026, have banned plastic and a number of synthetic materials from being used in the packaging of pan masala.
The amended rules state that paper, paperboard, cellulose and other naturally derived materials used for packaging of pan masala should be free from plastic. The regulations specifically ban synthetic polymers and copolymers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
The revised norms also bar the use of laminates, aluminium foil and metallised layers in packaging of pan masala. The FSSAI has approved the use of tin and glass containers as viable alternatives.
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New Packaging Norms:
The amendment classifies pan masala in Schedule IV of Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018, which includes allowed packaging materials for food items.
FSSAI further clarified that pan masala packaging will be directly covered under clauses (f) and (i) of Rule 4(1) of the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, as amended.
The new rules will come into force on the day of their publication in the Official Gazette.
The final notification was issued by FSSAI Chief Executive Officer Rajit Punhani on August 7, 2026. It follows the draft amendment published April 28, 2026, after which the regulator took into consideration comments, objections and suggestions from industry stakeholders.
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This is part of increased regulatory scrutiny on packaging materials and their impact on the environment, with manufacturers of pan masala now required to make their packaging compliant with the standards that were notified recently.
