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Pan Masala Packaging Rules Tightened: FSSAI Bans Plastic, Aluminium Foil and Metallised Layers

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has introduced new packaging norms for pan masala, ruling out plastic, aluminium foil and metallised layers from the permitted packaging materials.

The changes were notified on Monday, 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.

What materials can be used?

Under the new rules, pan masala can be packaged using paper, paperboard, cellulose and other naturally derived materials, provided they are completely free from plastic.

The permitted materials cannot contain polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, PVC or other synthetic polymers, copolymers or laminates.

The restrictions also cover packaging with multiple layers. Even if the outer layer is made of paper, it cannot contain aluminium foil or metallised layers inside.

Tin and glass also permitted

FSSAI has separately allowed manufacturers to use tin and glass containers for packaging pan masala.

The amendment also makes certain provisions of the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, applicable to pan masala packaging.

Rules take effect immediately

The new regulations came into force from the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.

FSSAI had earlier issued the draft amendment on April 28 and invited objections and suggestions from stakeholders for 60 days. The authority said the feedback received during the consultation process was considered before issuing the final notification.

No ban on pan masala

Importantly, the notification does not ban pan masala as a product.

Instead, it regulates how the product can be packaged, with the focus on eliminating plastic-based packaging and certain aluminium and metallised materials.

Manufacturers will now have to ensure that paper-based and naturally derived packaging contains no plastic, synthetic polymers, copolymers or laminates and does not use aluminium foil or metallised layers. Tin and glass remain among the explicitly permitted alternatives.