FSSAI proposes plastic-free packaging for pan masala, gutka

New Delhi: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has taken a major initiative against single-use plastics in tobacco-related products (FSSAI) recommends completely switching to non-plastic packaging for pan masala, gutka and similar items.The draft amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations 2018, released on Tuesday, stipulate that these products can only be packaged in paper, cardboard, cellulose or other natural materials. The draft explicitly prohibits the use of all plastics – including polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, PVC and multi-layer laminates – as well as aluminum foil or metallized layers.Officials said the proposed norms will apply across the board to tobacco and non-tobacco pan masala and related products.The proposal further bans the use of specific copolymers such as vinyl acetate-maleic acid-vinyl chloride in any gutka, pan masala and all forms of tobacco packaging.The changes have been introduced as an insert to Schedule IV of the Packaging Regulations, which lists the materials allowed for specific food categories. Pan masala has been added as a separate entry with strict material restrictions.The draft also aligns with existing plastic waste management rules, emphasizing that plastic packaging cannot be used to store, package or sell these products.The move comes against the backdrop of ongoing restrictions on these products at the national level. As of 2026, several states including Maharashtra, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, West Bengal, Kerala, Gujarat and Delhi have banned the production, sale, storage and distribution of gutka and pan masala containing tobacco or nicotine, with many states renewing these bans every year.FSSAI has sought objections and suggestions from stakeholders within 30 days of notification. The authority said all feedback received during this period will be reviewed before finalizing the amendments.If notified, the move is expected to impact a large segment of the chewing tobacco and pan masala industry, which currently relies heavily on multi-layered plastic bags, which are difficult to recycle and generate large amounts of waste.The proposal marks a sign of tighter regulations on public health and environmental concerns, particularly for products that are widely consumed and generate large amounts of plastic waste.