---
title: "FSSAI Proposes Plastic-Free Packaging Mandate for Pan Masala: An Analysis of the Draft Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Amendment Regulations, 2026"
date: 2026-04-30
author: "Rahul Sundaram"
url: https://www.indialaw.in/blog/food/plastic-free-packaging-for-pan-masala/
---

# FSSAI Proposes Plastic-Free Packaging Mandate for Pan Masala: An Analysis of the Draft Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Amendment Regulations, 2026

Posted On - 30 April, 2026 •

By - [Rahul Sundaram](https://www.indialaw.in/people/rahul-sundaram/ "Posts by Rahul Sundaram")

[![Man wearing apron stacks eco-friendly food containers for takeaway delivery in a kitchen setting.](https://www.indialaw.in/wp-content/uploads/4393660.jpeg)](https://www.indialaw.in/wp-content/uploads/4393660.jpeg)

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a draft notification dated April 28, 2026, proposing amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018. Titled the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Amendment Regulations, 2026, this regulatory intervention has been published under Section 92(2) read with Section 23 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (Act 34 of 2006), subject to previous approval of the Central Government. The amendment represents a significant effort to reconcile food safety standards with environmental protection mandates, particularly concerning the packaging of pan masala, a product long situated at the intersection of public health debates and regulatory scrutiny in India.

The draft notification has been published under Section 92(1) of the Act for the information of all affected persons. A statutory period of thirty days from the date Gazette copies are made available to the public has been prescribed for receiving objections or suggestions. Stakeholders may address their submissions to the Chief Executive Officer, FSSAI, at FDA Bhawan, Kotla Road, New Delhi-110002, or electronically at regulation@fssai.gov.in. The Authority has undertaken to consider all feedback received within the stipulated period before finalizing the regulations.

The original Packaging Regulations, 2018, were first promulgated on December 24, 2018, and the present proposal constitutes the fourth amendment and introduces a targeted modification to Schedule IV, which enumerates suggestive packaging materials for food products.

The substantive core of the amendment lies in the insertion of a new entry at Serial Number 11 in Schedule IV, specifically governing pan masala packaging. The proposed entry mandates that pan masala shall be packaged exclusively in paper, paper board, cellulose, or other naturally derived materials, provided such materials are entirely free from any plastic, including but not limited to polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), as well as synthetic polymers, copolymers, or laminates. The prohibition extends further to aluminium foil and metallized layers, commonly employed in composite packaging. Tin or glass containers are permitted as alternative packaging vessels.

The regulatory architecture is notably fortified by the express incorporation of clauses (f) and (i) of sub-rule (1) of Rule 4 of the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016. Clause (f) prohibits sachets using plastic material for storing, packing, or selling gutkha, tobacco, and pan masala, while clause (i) declares that plastic material in any form, including Vinyl Acetate-Maleic Acid-Vinyl Chloride Copolymer, shall not be used in any package for packaging gutkha, pan masala, and tobacco in all forms. By embedding these provisions directly into the Food Safety and Standards Regulations, the FSSAI achieves significant regulatory harmonization between food safety law and environmental law, eliminating potential ambiguities and ensuring unified enforcement across both domains.

The amendment must be understood within India’s broader commitment to sustainable development and plastic waste reduction. Pan masala, by virtue of its widespread consumption and conventional use of small plastic sachets for retail distribution, has historically contributed significantly to plastic waste generation, particularly as litter challenging municipal waste management systems. The mandated shift to paper, cellulose, tin, or glass packaging represents a deliberate policy choice favouring biodegradable or recyclable materials, thereby reducing the environmental footprint throughout the product lifecycle.

From an industry perspective, the amendment necessitates substantial modifications to existing packaging infrastructure. Manufacturers currently relying on plastic-based packaging, laminates, and metallized films must transition to compliant materials within the prescribed timeframe. This transition entails capital investment in new machinery, sourcing alternative raw materials, and redesigning packaging formats to ensure product integrity while adhering to material constraints. The explicit prohibition of aluminium foil and metallized layers is particularly significant, as these barrier materials protect products from moisture, oxygen, and light, and their exclusion will require innovative solutions using natural materials.

The cross-reference to the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 serves a dual purpose of reinforcement and clarification. By incorporating these provisions into the food safety framework, the FSSAI ensures that violations attract enforcement mechanisms and penalties under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, in addition to those under environmental law. This integration strengthens the deterrent effect and provides food safety officers explicit authority against non-compliant packaging, bridging a potential enforcement gap.

The scope of the prohibition is comprehensive and leaves minimal room for evasion. The enumeration of specific plastics is supplemented by the inclusive phrase “any synthetic polymers, copolymers, or laminates,” capturing emerging materials outside enumerated categories. The reference to Vinyl Acetate-Maleic Acid-Vinyl Chloride Copolymer demonstrates regulatory awareness of specialized formulations that might otherwise be advanced as compliant alternatives. This comprehensive drafting reflects legislative intent to effectuate a total ban rather than a partial restriction.

In conclusion, the proposed Amendment Regulations, 2026 represent a carefully calibrated measure advancing environmental protection, regulatory harmonization, and sustainable packaging within the food safety framework. The thirty-day consultation period provides valuable opportunity for stakeholders to contribute to regulatory refinement and raise practical concerns regarding implementation and feasibility. Upon finalization, these regulations are poised to establish precedent for environmentally sustainable packaging standards in the food sector, with potential implications for other plastic-reliant products. Constructive engagement from the legal community, industry, and civil society will be essential to ensure the final regulations achieve their intended objectives while remaining practicable and enforceable in India’s diverse market environment.

For further details write to [contact@indialaw.in](mailto:contact@indialaw.in)

Disclaimer - This article is intended for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Readers should seek specific legal counsel in relation to their individual circumstances.

[Download PDF](https://www.indialaw.in/blog/food/plastic-free-packaging-for-pan-masala//pdf/)

[Food Safety and Regulatory Compliance](https://www.indialaw.in/expertise/statutory-and-regulatory-compliance/food-safety-and-regulatory-compliance/)

---

# IndiaLaw LLP — Offices & Contact Details

---

## General Contact

| | |
|---|---|
| **Website** | https://www.indialaw.in |
| **Primary email** | contact@indialaw.in |
| **Primary phone** | +91 836-9995919 |
| **Contact form** | https://www.indialaw.in/connect/ |
| **Careers (separate channel)** | https://www.indialaw.in/careers/ |


---

## All Offices (9 locations across 8 cities)

### 1. Mumbai — Registered Office & Head Office (Apeejay Chambers)

| | |
|---|---|
| **Address** | Apeejay Chambers, Ground Floor, Wallace Street, Fort, Mumbai – 400 001 |
| **Phone** | [022-6924-7400](tel:02269247400) |
| **Email** | contact@indialaw.in |
| **Page** | https://www.indialaw.in/mumbai/ |
| **Practice focus** | Litigation · Arbitration · Insolvency & Bankruptcy · Corporate · Banking · Real Estate · IP |
| **Notes** | The HQ. 5 partners based here. Handles PAN-India litigation, arbitration, corporate, banking, IP and real estate practice. Largest team across all offices. |

### 2. Mumbai — Non-Litigation Office (Excelsior, Fort)

| | |
|---|---|
| **Address** | 4th Floor, New Excelsior Theatre Pvt. Ltd., Amrit Keshav Nayak Marg, Fort, Mumbai – 400 001 |
| **Phone** | [022-697-40500](tel:022-697-40500) |
| **Email** | contact@indialaw.in |
| **Page** | https://www.indialaw.in/mumbai/ |
| **Practice focus** | Non-litigation only — consultations, negotiations, transactional work |
| **Notes** | Opened 2024. Litigation and arbitration remain at the Apeejay Chambers head office. |

### 3. Delhi

| | |
|---|---|
| **Address** | Flat No. 1107 & 1108, Prakashdeep Building, Tolstoy Marg, Connaught Place, New Delhi – 110 001 |
| **Phone** | (general line: +91 836-9995919) |
| **Email** | contact@indialaw.in |
| **Page** | https://www.indialaw.in/delhi/ |
| **Practice focus** | Litigation · Arbitration · Insolvency & Bankruptcy · Corporate · Banking · Real Estate |
| **Notes** | 3 partners based here. Located near the Supreme Court of India, Delhi High Court and other appellate bodies. |

### 4. Kolkata

| | |
|---|---|
| **Address** | Centre Point Building, Room No. 214, 2nd Floor, Premises No. 21, Hemanta Basu Sarani, Opp. Great Eastern Hotel, P.S. Hare Street, Kolkata – 700 001, West Bengal |
| **Phone** | [+91 33 4813 1001](tel:+913348131001) |
| **Email** | contact@indialaw.in |
| **Page** | https://www.indialaw.in/kolkata/ |
| **Practice focus** | Insolvency & Bankruptcy · Commercial & Civil Litigation · Arbitration · Banking Litigation · Real Estate · Labour & Employment · Consumer |
| **Notes** | Advises banks, NBFCs, MSMEs and corporates on transactions and dispute resolution. Works in close coordination with the Mumbai HO. |

### 5. Chennai

| | |
|---|---|
| **Address** | GF-A, 19 Casa Major Road, Egmore, Chennai – 600 008 |
| **Phone** | (general line: +91 836-9995919) |
| **Email** | contact@indialaw.in |
| **Page** | https://www.indialaw.in/chennai/ |
| **Practice focus** | Litigation · Insolvency & Bankruptcy · Real Estate |
| **Notes** | Full-fledged office with experienced legal team. Supported by Mumbai HO. |

### 6. Bengaluru (Bangalore)

| | |
|---|---|
| **Address** | INDIALAW LLP, No. 7 Chinnaswamy Mudaliar Road, Shivaji Nagar, Bangalore – 560 051 |
| **Phone** | [080-4167-2444](tel:08041672444) |
| **Email** | contact@indialaw.in |
| **Page** | https://www.indialaw.in/bengaluru/ |
| **Practice focus** | Litigation · Insolvency & Bankruptcy · Real Estate · Family Laws · Labour |
| **Notes** | Located near Bangalore High Court. Handles corporate, commercial, banking and matrimonial disputes. |

### 7. Hyderabad

| | |
|---|---|
| **Address** | 403, 4th Floor, Sanatana Ecstasy Building, beside Tanishq Show Room, Himayathnagar, Hyderabad – 500 029, Telangana |
| **Phone** | [040-6666-5166](tel:04066665166) |
| **Email** | contact@indialaw.in |
| **Page** | https://www.indialaw.in/hyderabad/ |
| **Practice focus** | Litigation · Banking · Insolvency & Bankruptcy · Real Estate |
| **Notes** | Particularly well known for complex banking matters and real estate transactions. |

### 8. Cochin (Kochi)

| | |
|---|---|
| **Address** | Second Floor, Pulikkal Building, K.K. Padmanabhan Road, Ernakulam North – 682 018, Kerala |
| **Phone** | [0484-3583961](tel:04843583961) |
| **Email** | contact@indialaw.in |
| **Page** | https://www.indialaw.in/cochin/ |
| **Practice focus** | Litigation · Insolvency & Bankruptcy · Real Estate |
| **Notes** | Commercial disputes, property litigation, financial-claim arbitrations and real estate transactions. |

### 9. Noida (NCR)

| | |
|---|---|
| **Address** | No. 16 & 17, Silver Offices, 17th Floor, Wave One, Sector 18, Noida – 201 301 |
| **Phone** | (general line: +91 836-9995919) |
| **Email** | contact@indialaw.in |
| **Page** | https://www.indialaw.in/noida/ |
| **Practice focus** | Aviation · Insurance · Mergers & Acquisitions · Corporate |
| **Office head** | **Mr. Dinesh Gupta** (joined August 2025 to lead and expand the corporate practice) |
| **Notes** | Newest office. Sector-focused on highly regulated industries serving NCR-based clients. |

---

## Quick-Dial Phone List

| Office | Phone |
|---|---|
| Mumbai HO (Apeejay) | 022-6924-7400 |
| Mumbai Excelsior | 022-697-40500 |
| Kolkata | +91 33 4813 1001 |
| Bengaluru | 080-4167-2444 |
| Hyderabad | 040-6666-5166 |
| Cochin | 0484-3583961 |
| **General / Marketing line** | **+91 836-9995919** |

Delhi, Chennai and Noida route through the general number.

---

## Social Channels

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/indialaw
- X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/Indialawmumbai
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/indialawllp/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indialawllp

---