FSSAI Bans Plastic Packaging for Pan Masala: What Manufacturers Must Do

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has banned plastic and other synthetic material-based packaging for pan masala products, mandating only tin and glass containers. Notified in August 2026 as an amendment to the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018, the rule aligns with the Plastic Waste Management Rules and takes effect from its publication in the Official Gazette.

What the New Rule Says

• Ban on plastic and synthetic materials: plastic pouches, metallised layers and aluminium foil are no longer permitted for pan masala packaging
• Only tin and glass containers allowed for retail and wholesale packing of pan masala
• Applies to manufacturers, packers, importers and distributors of pan masala products
• Aligned with the Plastic Waste Management Rules to reduce single-use plastic in food contact materials

Who Is Affected

• Pan masala manufacturers and packers — must switch packaging lines to tin/glass
• Importers of pan masala — only compliant packaging will clear customs
• Distributors and retailers — existing plastic-packed stock must be phased out per the transition timeline

Compliance Steps for Manufacturers

1. Audit current packaging inventory and identify plastic/aluminium foil SKUs
2. Switch to FSSAI-compliant tin or glass containers; update procurement contracts with packaging suppliers
3. Verify new packaging meets all requirements of the Packaging Regulations, 2018
4. Update product labels and batch records for the new container formats
5. Coordinate with distributors to recall/phase out non-compliant plastic-packed stock
6. Document the transition for future FSSAI inspections

Why This Matters for the Industry

This is part of a broader FSSAI push on food contact materials and packaging safety. Businesses that use plastic or foil-based packaging for other categories should watch for similar restrictions — the regulator is tightening rules category by category, aligned with India’s plastic waste commitments.

Official Source

Verify the full notification text on the official FSSAI website: fssai.gov.in

Note: Regulatory details may be updated. Always confirm the latest notification and transition timeline on the official FSSAI portal before making compliance decisions.