The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), through the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Amendment Regulations, 2026, has prescribed specific packaging requirements for pan masala.

The amendment inserts Pan Masala as Entry 11 in Schedule IV of the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018, which sets out the list of suggestive packaging materials.

Under the amended provisions, pan masala may be packed in paper, paperboard, cellulose or other naturally derived materials, provided such materials are free from plastic, including PVC, synthetic polymers, copolymers, laminates, and aluminium foil or metallised layers. Tin or glass containers are also prescribed as permissible packaging options.

The amendment further provides that clauses (f) and (i) of sub-rule (1) of Rule 4 of the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, as amended under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, will also apply to such packaging.

The regulations will come into force from the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.