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The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has introduced stricter packaging norms for pan masala, prohibiting the use of plastic, aluminium foil and metallised layers in its packaging.

The new provisions were notified on August 10 through the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Amendment Regulations, 2026, published in the Gazette of India. The amendment adds pan masala to Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018.

Under the revised rules, pan masala can be packed in paper, paperboard, cellulose and other naturally derived materials, but these materials must be completely free of plastic.

The packaging cannot contain materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, PVC or other synthetic polymers, copolymers and laminates. Paper-based packaging containing plastic layers will therefore also fall outside the permitted specifications.

The rules further prohibit the use of aluminium foil and metallised layers, even when they are incorporated into otherwise paper-based packaging.

FSSAI has also listed tin and glass containers as permitted packaging options for pan masala.

Certain provisions of the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, will also apply to pan masala packaging under the amended regulations.

The rules came into effect from the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.

The amendment does not amount to a ban on pan masala. It specifically deals with the materials that manufacturers can use to package the product.

FSSAI had released the draft regulations on April 28 and invited public objections and suggestions for 60 days. The authority said the feedback received during the consultation process was considered before the final notification was issued.

With the amendment now in force, manufacturers will have to shift away from plastic-based packaging and comply with the newly specified material requirements.