FSSAI proposes plastic-free mandate for pan masala packaging

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has published a draft notification dated 28 April, proposing Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Amendment Regulations, 2026, which seek to tighten the existing 2018 framework by explicitly prohibiting the use of plastics and synthetic materials in this segment. 

The regulator has opened a 30-day window for public objections and suggestions before the rules are finalised.  

Mandatory material shift
The substantive change involves the insertion of a new entry in Schedule IV of the principal regulations. Under the proposed norms, pan masala must be packaged exclusively in paper, paperboard, cellulose, or other naturally derived materials. 

These materials must be entirely free from any plastic, including polyethene, polypropylene, polyester, and PVC. The ban extends to synthetic polymers, copolymers, and laminates, effectively targeting the multi-layer plastic sachets that currently dominate the market.  

Furthermore, the draft prohibits the use of aluminium foil or metallised layers. This exclusion represents a significant challenge for the industry, as these materials have traditionally provided the barrier properties necessary to maintain product freshness and prevent moisture ingress. 

Alternative permitted packaging formats include tin or glass containers, which offer high barrier protection but may involve higher logistics and production costs.  

Alignment with environmental rules
The notification specifically integrates clauses from the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, to ensure regulatory consistency. It reinforces the prohibition on using plastic sachets for storing, packing, or selling gutkha, tobacco, and pan masala. 

Additionally, it bars specific chemical compounds, such as vinyl acetate-maleic acid-vinyl chloride copolymer, from being used in any form within the packaging.  This move is viewed as a step to reduce the environmental footprint of the pan masala industry. 

Single-use sachets are a major source of non-biodegradable litter due to their small size and complex material composition, which makes recycling technically difficult. By mandating a transition to biodegradable or highly recyclable materials like paper and glass, the FSSAI aims to align food safety compliance with India’s broader sustainability objectives.  

Impact on industry 
If finalised, the amendment will necessitate a redesign of existing packaging lines. Manufacturers currently reliant on plastic laminates will need to source compliant natural materials and potentially revalidate the shelf life of their products under the new material constraints. 

The transition is expected to impact capital expenditure, as filling and sealing machinery calibrated for plastic films may require significant modification or replacement to handle paper-based alternatives.  

Stakeholders have until late May to submit their feedback to the chief executive officer of the FSSAI. The authority will consider these inputs before finalising the regulations, which are poised to establish a new standard for environmentally conscious packaging in the Indian food and tobacco-adjacent sectors.