FSSAI Rules for Pan Masala Packaging
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has updated its 2018 Packaging Regulations. Effective August 10, 2026, all Food Business Operators (FBOs) packaging or selling Pan Masala must follow these packaging requirements:
Allowed Packaging Materials:
- Paper & Natural Materials: Paper, paperboard, cellulose, or plant-based materials.
These must be 100% free of all plastics (e.g., PE, PP, PVC, synthetic polymers, copolymers, or laminates) and contain no aluminium foil or metallic layers.
- Rigid Containers: Plain tin or glass containers.
Key Action for FBOs
- Stop using plastic pouches, multi-layer laminates, or foil wraps.
- Switch strictly to plastic-free paper/cellulose products, tin jars, or glass containers.
- Ensure compliance with Clauses (f) and (i) of Rule 4(1) of the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016.
Elaboration of Rule 4(1), Clauses (f) and (i)
These specific sub-rules under the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 outline mandatory prohibitions for Pan Masala packaging:
- Clause (f) – Banned Materials: Plastic sachets or pouches are strictly prohibited from being used to store, pack, or sell Pan Masala. Furthermore, plastic waste materials containing Vinyl Acetate or Vinyl Chloride Copolymers are completely banned for this use.
- Clause (i) – Recycling & Export Exceptions: No manufacturer or exporter is exempt from these bans-even Export-Oriented Units (EOUs) or units operating inside Special Economic Zones (SEZs) packing Pan Masala must comply with the restriction against plastic packaging.