New Delhi, Significant news has emerged for pan masala manufacturers and consumers in the country. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has further tightened the regulations governing the packaging of pan masala. Under the new provisions, the use of plastic-based or plastic-laminated materials will not be permitted in pan masala packaging.

The revised rules mandate the use of plastic-free packaging materials. The use of aluminum foil and metalized layers has also been banned.

Provision for the Complete Elimination of Plastic Packaging

According to the new provisions of the FSSAI, which operates under the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, paper, paperboard, cellulose, or other naturally occurring materials can be used for packaging pan masala. However, these materials must not contain any plastic.

According to the new notification, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or any other synthetic polymer, co-polymer, or laminate will not be used in packaging.

This means that simply using paper or any natural material on the outside of the package will not be sufficient. If the inner layer of the packaging is lined with plastic, aluminum foil, or a metalized layer, such packaging will also not be valid under the new regulations.

Options for Tin and Glass Containers Open

FSSAI has also provided some alternative packaging options to pan masala manufacturers. Under the new provisions, pan masala packaging in tin and glass containers is permitted. These have been separately included in the list of approved packaging options.

With this change, pan masala companies may have to modify their existing packaging systems. This could have a direct impact, especially on products that use multiple layers of plastic.

Plastic Waste Management Rules Will Also Be Implemented

The amendment also clarifies that the relevant provisions of the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, enacted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, will also apply to pan masala packaging.

This measure aims to control waste generated from plastic and other related materials used in pan masala packaging.

Pricing and other essential information are also mandatory on the package

The government also issued important guidelines regarding pan masala packaging in December 2025. Under this, it was made mandatory to clearly display the Retail Sale Price (RSP) and other essential information on pan masala packets of any size or weight.

Now, with the implementation of the new FSSAI regulations regarding packaging materials, the pan masala industry will face a new challenge in developing packaging systems that comply with environmental standards and food safety regulations.