Manufacturers can use paper, paperboard, cellulose, tin or glass, while plastic, synthetic laminates and aluminium foil are prohibited
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has tightened packaging regulations for pan masala, effectively ruling out conventional plastic-based and plastic-laminated pouches.
Under the amended Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018, notified on August 7, manufacturers must use permitted plastic-free materials for pan masala packaging. The new rules also prohibit aluminium foil and metallised layers.
What has FSSAI banned?
The revised rules prohibit packaging containing plastic and specified synthetic materials, including polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester and PVC. Plastic-based laminates and other synthetic polymer layers are also excluded.
The rules additionally prohibit aluminium foil and metallised layers, meaning the shiny multilayer sachets commonly associated with pan masala will have to be replaced.
What packaging can companies use?
Manufacturers can use paper, paperboard, cellulose and other naturally derived materials, provided they are completely free from prohibited plastic and synthetic components.
Tin and glass containers have also been permitted under the amended regulations.
Why has FSSAI changed the rules?
The move is aimed at reducing the environmental impact of discarded plastic packaging and bringing pan masala packaging requirements in line with existing plastic-waste regulations.
The amendment follows a draft notification issued earlier this year, after which FSSAI invited objections and suggestions from stakeholders before finalising the changes.
What does it mean for pan masala manufacturers?
Companies will now have to reassess their existing packaging formats and shift away from plastic and foil-based sachets.
The change could require manufacturers to redesign packaging, identify compliant materials and modify production and supply-chain processes. The impact could also be felt in packaging costs and logistics as companies move towards paper-based, tin or glass alternatives.
The new rules mark a significant shift for an industry that has traditionally relied heavily on small, multilayer plastic sachets.
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