FSSAI Tightens Pan Masala Packaging Rules, Plastic Packets to Be Banned
New packaging norms will prohibit plastic, synthetic polymers and aluminium-based layers, pushing manufacturers towards more eco-friendly alternatives.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has introduced stricter packaging rules for pan masala, with manufacturers set to face a major shift in the way their products are packed.
Under the new regulations, effective from August 10, 2026, pan masala manufacturers will no longer be allowed to use plastic or other synthetic materials for packaging their products.
According to the new gazette notification, materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, PVC and other synthetic polymers and laminates will be prohibited. The use of aluminium foil and metallised layers in pan masala packaging will also not be permitted.
Instead, manufacturers will have to explore more environmentally friendly packaging options. FSSAI has suggested materials including paper, paperboard, cellulose, tin and glass as alternatives.
The move is expected to bring significant changes for both manufacturers and consumers. Companies will need to invest in new packaging materials, machinery and production processes that meet the revised standards. Since alternatives such as paper and tin can be more expensive than conventional plastic packaging, production costs could rise, potentially affecting the retail price of pan masala.
Another challenge for manufacturers could be maintaining product quality and shelf life. Plastic packaging is widely used because of its durability and ability to protect products from moisture and contamination. Replacing it could require companies to develop new packaging solutions that can withstand transportation and storage conditions.
For consumers, the most visible change could simply be at the shop counter. Pan masala products that have traditionally come in small plastic-based packets may soon appear in paper, tin, glass or other approved packaging.
The new rules mark a significant step towards reducing the use of plastic and synthetic packaging in the pan masala sector, while also placing greater responsibility on manufacturers to adopt safer and more sustainable alternatives.
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